tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20197785354373228692019-02-22T01:18:53.060-05:00Getz Girl On FireAmy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-65195477550906621082019-01-14T08:35:00.000-05:002019-01-14T08:35:52.047-05:00Christmas 2018<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Suffice it to say, I'm not actually a blogger. But that's cool. I do other cool things . . . like mom pretty hard, occasionally do real work, hang out with my friends . . . just stuff. And then a new year comes, and I wish I had documented all the memories . . . the day to day randomness that I'll soon forget, holidays, milestones, thoughts . . . because life is zipping on by, and I don't want to forget a thing.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So here is my Christmas recap . . . I especially love to look back on these and see what the kids were into and just how little they look.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">December was a weird month around here . . . I worked way more than usual and that threw off my holiday spirit. Luckily I had the house decorated and most of my presents purchased by December 1st . . . thank goodness I was on it this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I do need to give a shout out to my fellows this year on the Christmas cards . . . they were all so helpful. I printed the address labels and affixed them to the cards. Getzy stuffed the cards. Ryan put on the return address labels and stamps. Kyle did the worst job of all . . . sealing about 150 envelopes. I taught him the wet paper towel trick, and he rocked it out. Man, I swear Christmas cards are the worst job of the season.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Funny story about this year's card. I had them printed and shipped here before Thanksgiving and was so proud of how on the ball I was. I show them to the kids and Amanda kinda freaked out. It looked like she has a runny mascara incident although I swear it was a shadow from Luna the cat she was holding, and I did NOT notice it when making the cards.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well obviously she wanted me to make new cards and not send these. I let her know that it's not a big deal, life isn't just about her and I didn't want to spend money on new cards. She stews, and I don't do anything. She finally comes to me in a couple of days and says that she's sorry, go ahead and send the cards. Guess what I did? Ordered new ones. All I ever want is for my kids to be gracious and kind and realize the world doesn't actually revolve around them. Proud mama moment. So viola, please enjoy our 2018 card!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QmrxM3qObI/XDyM8bYaKKI/AAAAAAAAGA8/HRK-9zhL1HcD7G9HDyNkhuKwu3WmI3ZSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1242" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QmrxM3qObI/XDyM8bYaKKI/AAAAAAAAGA8/HRK-9zhL1HcD7G9HDyNkhuKwu3WmI3ZSgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Note: Getzy's real name has been removed . . . protecting the innocent. LOL!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I finished my all consuming work project on December 23rd, and then Amanda promptly reminded me that it was time to wrap presents. Ugh. Here's where she gets her shout out. I boxed up the gifts, and she wrapped every gift for her brothers and her dad. She saved me HOURS. I was just so grateful and kept telling her how much I appreciated her help.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">If you don't already know, teenagers are awesome . . . mine at least. I seriously (knock on wood) don't get what all the teenage fuss and angst is about . . . I totally dig mine and love the connections I have with each of them. Are they perfect? Not by a freaking long shot. But they are each cool and amazing in their own way, and I couldn't be more excited to see what their future holds.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I was all off on my sleep schedule so I was up at 6:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve, showered and drinking my coffee in Kohl's by 7:45 a.m. After boxing and wrapping all the previous evening, I realized I needed a couple stocking stuffers and maybe a filler gift or two. I left Kohl's and mosied around Wal-Mart and found some good stuff there too! I love a good Wal-Mart run.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We always go to church Christmas Eve . . . so we went to the earliest service so we could get home and start cooking. Our family tradition is to have prime rib at Christmas . . . that was always what Getzy's family did growing up. We had friends over for dinner, which is always a lovely time.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Amanda was ready for everyone to leave so she could get to opening her Christmas Eve presents. LOL. I just love these bags I found on Etsy last year to hold the Christmas Eve goodies. Here are the before pictures . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwFtqdD_Dqs/XDqoavyMdxI/AAAAAAAAF9A/isZSsQGpqRU9aC4BceTNwcULnR-9K82rACLcBGAs/s1600/39F9E669-62A9-4CA0-9CC0-01D289870284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwFtqdD_Dqs/XDqoavyMdxI/AAAAAAAAF9A/isZSsQGpqRU9aC4BceTNwcULnR-9K82rACLcBGAs/s640/39F9E669-62A9-4CA0-9CC0-01D289870284.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCiynopYfis/XDqohaizcsI/AAAAAAAAF9E/oTcDKFLYkZAr8GWnjib_QqdKw5WVDoUKQCLcBGAs/s1600/4F3729AB-CBB3-4898-8ADD-3837C2BDC13A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCiynopYfis/XDqohaizcsI/AAAAAAAAF9E/oTcDKFLYkZAr8GWnjib_QqdKw5WVDoUKQCLcBGAs/s640/4F3729AB-CBB3-4898-8ADD-3837C2BDC13A.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnWJrJCqbDY/XDqonA9-JWI/AAAAAAAAF9I/qCXOe-1f7Jg73uAbtTmml_O5a_gTmRy4ACLcBGAs/s1600/6012142E-02EF-40EB-AD1C-9D725AEC9075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hnWJrJCqbDY/XDqonA9-JWI/AAAAAAAAF9I/qCXOe-1f7Jg73uAbtTmml_O5a_gTmRy4ACLcBGAs/s640/6012142E-02EF-40EB-AD1C-9D725AEC9075.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And the after pictures . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2z_js376Fc/XDqpoXCE7zI/AAAAAAAAF9w/pwnW8EWshvMeEg69BZoCG9f3IlvzJN8vQCLcBGAs/s1600/Amanda%2BEve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="886" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d2z_js376Fc/XDqpoXCE7zI/AAAAAAAAF9w/pwnW8EWshvMeEg69BZoCG9f3IlvzJN8vQCLcBGAs/s640/Amanda%2BEve.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qRdnG0e7UM/XDqo3PrOeNI/AAAAAAAAF9U/uK45O860hgwsnbogHKM646IENGM7uvTlQCLcBGAs/s1600/A7A5F71B-90CA-49A4-8B83-3620F8A1F909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qRdnG0e7UM/XDqo3PrOeNI/AAAAAAAAF9U/uK45O860hgwsnbogHKM646IENGM7uvTlQCLcBGAs/s640/A7A5F71B-90CA-49A4-8B83-3620F8A1F909.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBgSzTUE6Sc/XDqpDJFSaCI/AAAAAAAAF9c/6kyQL46mt_kSSMmn00DcM9VOjDc73IbEgCLcBGAs/s1600/0F80DEC9-9138-4525-B109-639794A11521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBgSzTUE6Sc/XDqpDJFSaCI/AAAAAAAAF9c/6kyQL46mt_kSSMmn00DcM9VOjDc73IbEgCLcBGAs/s640/0F80DEC9-9138-4525-B109-639794A11521.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I should probably mention things are easier around here on Christmas Eve with all teenagers too. No waiting until little ones are asleep to creep around and put out the gifts. No cookies or reindeer food or reading of The Night Before Christmas. And yes, that is sad . . . but it's also okay because time marches on.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Around 9 p.m. I told the boys to get off their computers and out of the basement because Ms. Claus had work to do. All the kids cozied up on the main floor to watch reruns of The Office while I got busy.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I don't put out a single gift until the night before Christmas. I like the pizzazz&nbsp;of them seeing it all at once, and I like everything wrapped . . . but I say to each his own because I think everyone has cool traditions for their own family. Also, I fully admit I go way overboard for Christmas. It's my thing. It brings me joy. I can't be stopped . . . Getzy has tried. As I like to say, it is what it is. So here is a what Christmas morning looked like for my family . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5QbssC2Njb0/XDqrpfh9w9I/AAAAAAAAF98/3ZeOKI3Se7s0HMJVBHNG0pDHJGsLFTbuwCLcBGAs/s1600/A8289CD8-FCC4-4A25-B765-7BCD67F2A077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5QbssC2Njb0/XDqrpfh9w9I/AAAAAAAAF98/3ZeOKI3Se7s0HMJVBHNG0pDHJGsLFTbuwCLcBGAs/s640/A8289CD8-FCC4-4A25-B765-7BCD67F2A077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Amanda insists that Christmas happens in the basement. I only put one tree down there during the holidays. The upstairs, which I have nary a picture of, is a magical wonderland of Christmas cheer. There were 7 full size trees on the main floor, my Dept 56 Christmas village every where (given to me by my mama) and lots of other holiday trinkets. It brings me so much joy to see the house all lit up at the holidays. I want folks to come over, be warm and cozy and feel the magic of it all.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">This year I added the giant "Santa sacks" to the Christmas fun. I found them at TJ Maxx &amp; Marshall's. Another funny story . . . I took the sacks to the local embroidery shop and asked the owner which font and color she thought would go well for the personalization. We were working on Ryan's bag first, and she asks me, "How old is your son?" I giggled and then said 17. For some reason it totally cracked me up. I told her I'm trying to make Christmas so special they will always want to come home to their mama.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB19TqOyJXQ/XDqvr7QwaLI/AAAAAAAAF-I/JMb5GOPeRks3CUCwz3UTMCgvw51I1GSnwCLcBGAs/s1600/55ACBE04-A7B9-4474-8357-9CC318AB2B54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB19TqOyJXQ/XDqvr7QwaLI/AAAAAAAAF-I/JMb5GOPeRks3CUCwz3UTMCgvw51I1GSnwCLcBGAs/s640/55ACBE04-A7B9-4474-8357-9CC318AB2B54.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edR9N3A0O-8/XDqvybseXFI/AAAAAAAAF-M/uGm7cQ_Jyt4Jz1SQmyPVW-GrOur4_59kgCLcBGAs/s1600/6DFB544E-7E27-467C-BC30-EA707C2C6B5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edR9N3A0O-8/XDqvybseXFI/AAAAAAAAF-M/uGm7cQ_Jyt4Jz1SQmyPVW-GrOur4_59kgCLcBGAs/s640/6DFB544E-7E27-467C-BC30-EA707C2C6B5D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7L2mWPOrvg/XDqv2cr0XeI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/slOmuV5xIj0beNp2FQ0vh9hwN1D7auzCwCLcBGAs/s1600/91E57DFC-B9FB-4F73-9FB0-2BCDADDD9869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7L2mWPOrvg/XDqv2cr0XeI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/slOmuV5xIj0beNp2FQ0vh9hwN1D7auzCwCLcBGAs/s640/91E57DFC-B9FB-4F73-9FB0-2BCDADDD9869.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We each take turns opening gifts . . . makes it last longer. I go through painstaking efforts to make sure my kids all have the same number of gifts to open, which basically means I buy all the things I think they want or need and then creatively package them together until I get the same number for each.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Since Zeus was front and center on the action, Luna the cat stayed behind the scenes. He loves to get in his stocking and find the goodies. He got to go first this year.&nbsp; But seriously, would you just look at that face?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNawna1HOoI/XDqyhjgeQRI/AAAAAAAAF-o/UGironYXFIQNatnMScxXzKQvLQtVshLZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/557BF6AB-1C5E-450D-A052-B0F2C8E7A780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNawna1HOoI/XDqyhjgeQRI/AAAAAAAAF-o/UGironYXFIQNatnMScxXzKQvLQtVshLZwCEwYBhgL/s640/557BF6AB-1C5E-450D-A052-B0F2C8E7A780.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We use the tradition of whoever finds the pickle ornament gets to open the first present. Kyle is so chill and could care less.&nbsp; Amanda and Ryan compete, but Ryan will persist when she quits because I've hidden it so good! Ha! So basically every year Ryan opens the first present.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I insist on taking a picture of each kid with their Christmas haul each year. I actually hadn't thought about it until someone dibs on being first to get the picture so they could get on with their life.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZZsfdineAg/XDqzwaxwUqI/AAAAAAAAF-4/4Sni-FlitkshPCfng2ceZmUSfXb7TvHfwCLcBGAs/s1600/772D534A-724E-4CD6-888C-A0344D9173E4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZZsfdineAg/XDqzwaxwUqI/AAAAAAAAF-4/4Sni-FlitkshPCfng2ceZmUSfXb7TvHfwCLcBGAs/s640/772D534A-724E-4CD6-888C-A0344D9173E4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHF7Vk6rnno/XDqzzdRQr1I/AAAAAAAAF-8/1J9pUh4tqc8BnsBIHh2mp78qtdZiTdfcgCLcBGAs/s1600/37A891D1-21C1-4C6A-844F-0D79953310C3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHF7Vk6rnno/XDqzzdRQr1I/AAAAAAAAF-8/1J9pUh4tqc8BnsBIHh2mp78qtdZiTdfcgCLcBGAs/s640/37A891D1-21C1-4C6A-844F-0D79953310C3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_9DYQUZ3f4/XDqz27cxt4I/AAAAAAAAF_A/SDp8BFfVKhYeKuumolW9BEx1J00qVIUAgCLcBGAs/s1600/0A73A4CC-5A07-45F8-9FCF-B804B9646AB0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_9DYQUZ3f4/XDqz27cxt4I/AAAAAAAAF_A/SDp8BFfVKhYeKuumolW9BEx1J00qVIUAgCLcBGAs/s640/0A73A4CC-5A07-45F8-9FCF-B804B9646AB0.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Here is little Luna . . . Amanda sure does love her kitten.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I got the AirPods I requested along with some other fun stuff . . . most notable were my socks with Zeus' face on them! Getzy got all kinds of goodies. His admitted favorite was his new electric toothbrush . . . I mean, he does have excellent oral hygiene.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">After all the presents were opened, I made the annual Monkey Bread breakfast (as requested by Ryan) and promptly plopped down on the couch to watch Hallmark movies. I used to pride myself on having never watched one but right after Thanksgiving I tuned in while decorating trees and was hooked. Hooked I tell you. I know . . . they are all the same, but they made me so happy because they were just so wholesome. We need a little more wholesome in this world.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7KvtDRqw6c/XDq4sJfHb0I/AAAAAAAAF_Y/ISR8Xr20ZpA1L717BjwVzxQh6a5BDWSNgCLcBGAs/s1600/Hallmark%252Bchristmas%252Bmovies%252Bafter%252Bhaving%252Bto%252Bwatch%252B10%252Bhours%252Bof_f1380d_4927994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="580" height="362" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7KvtDRqw6c/XDq4sJfHb0I/AAAAAAAAF_Y/ISR8Xr20ZpA1L717BjwVzxQh6a5BDWSNgCLcBGAs/s640/Hallmark%252Bchristmas%252Bmovies%252Bafter%252Bhaving%252Bto%252Bwatch%252B10%252Bhours%252Bof_f1380d_4927994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The next morning was go time again because I had to drop off some stuff at work in Buckhead, get Zeus to the dog sitter and get back in time to meet family who were scheduled to start arriving around noon.&nbsp; First was was my niece Jackie. Then mama rolled in later in the afternoon. The next morning my other niece Tori, her fiance and baby JJ arrived, and finally I picked up my brother and his wife from the airport.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My heart was happy . . . it's been a long time since everyone has been to my house for Christmas. We were missing my nephew for sure, but he had to work. Womp. Womp.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It was a chill visit for sure, which is the best kind really.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We opened presents . . . Granny loves her the red Christmas truck that is so popular these days.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIEHucil5HI/XDv8JzxSiXI/AAAAAAAAF_s/4rcibSinCRU3Ir6WCRG8jgdjspXXuzc2QCLcBGAs/s1600/8BA9FA4F-20FE-4687-BB31-E4ED08B93DC7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UIEHucil5HI/XDv8JzxSiXI/AAAAAAAAF_s/4rcibSinCRU3Ir6WCRG8jgdjspXXuzc2QCLcBGAs/s640/8BA9FA4F-20FE-4687-BB31-E4ED08B93DC7.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We puzzled, some more than others . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui9_U_d6EMU/XDv94SbdFhI/AAAAAAAAF_4/lrESxjWBaNAV337zoWkO7ebV3oXPm8GxQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ui9_U_d6EMU/XDv94SbdFhI/AAAAAAAAF_4/lrESxjWBaNAV337zoWkO7ebV3oXPm8GxQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1166.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We ate a lot . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5N19DUge2g/XDv-u-bneeI/AAAAAAAAGAE/4prnC9NPQNEHIBH8q4SNpqilYB_sEdY8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5N19DUge2g/XDv-u-bneeI/AAAAAAAAGAE/4prnC9NPQNEHIBH8q4SNpqilYB_sEdY8ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1154.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We did a little shopping, ate some more, w</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">atched movies, napped . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-015NKIm8DCg/XDv-ftLcTJI/AAAAAAAAGAA/xsvUHZ6oCUEN8Xa5hROi9X_10vXBEh5SACLcBGAs/s1600/3E8D35F0-0A42-4CA5-9CCA-CFBD130B17CF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-015NKIm8DCg/XDv-ftLcTJI/AAAAAAAAGAA/xsvUHZ6oCUEN8Xa5hROi9X_10vXBEh5SACLcBGAs/s640/3E8D35F0-0A42-4CA5-9CCA-CFBD130B17CF.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">chatted and snacked.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My niece "won" a turkey at her office . . . what 23 year old doesn't want their very own giant frozen turkey? I can remember getting one at a place I worked in college . . . perhaps it's a rite of passage for early jobs in life?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQCGb0CVPgI/XDv-2VR3ViI/AAAAAAAAGAM/gu1nTfCw3DgvVMnUfDf2OhSnzDOwLOpqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQCGb0CVPgI/XDv-2VR3ViI/AAAAAAAAGAM/gu1nTfCw3DgvVMnUfDf2OhSnzDOwLOpqACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0385.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Any way, she named the turkey Jeff, and he traveled all the way from Virginia with her. Jeff was the inspiration for my dinner themes. Since we don't often celebrate holidays together because we all live so far from each other, I decided we'd do Thanksgiving, Easter and a good old fashioned Italian Christmas . . . since we have zero Italian in us. But you know what I did have? A two pack of lasagna from Costco and the other meals wore me out.&nbsp; For the last night, we took everyone to our favorite Mexican restaurant. And done.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We were busy just being together so we really didn't take many pictures, except this amazing "first take on a camera phone propped on the couch on a photo timer" one!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JG5G2IQGtkk/XDv_fdPDajI/AAAAAAAAGAY/VnKgw8iaCOI9vG7lCQ2Ey8_Whu_9y5RsACLcBGAs/s1600/CB4776E0-B311-4564-958A-9AEF460CA411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JG5G2IQGtkk/XDv_fdPDajI/AAAAAAAAGAY/VnKgw8iaCOI9vG7lCQ2Ey8_Whu_9y5RsACLcBGAs/s640/CB4776E0-B311-4564-958A-9AEF460CA411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Wanna know the very best part of my whole time with family?&nbsp; THIS little nugget . . . my great nephew JJ!! All the heart eyes.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWDY0kTyXyU/XDv_3GG15CI/AAAAAAAAGAg/QJtgfCRgjIsyGqdcq_Irqu7oTArlUF0NwCLcBGAs/s1600/56679F8B-12AC-4DB2-A998-A37B283E10E0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWDY0kTyXyU/XDv_3GG15CI/AAAAAAAAGAg/QJtgfCRgjIsyGqdcq_Irqu7oTArlUF0NwCLcBGAs/s640/56679F8B-12AC-4DB2-A998-A37B283E10E0.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He is just the best baby ever . . . so sweet and almost always happy. Would you just look at him??? I swear he is so smiley . . . he's just not sure about this whole posing for the camera thing.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u68kCcAkvdk/XDwAHjQ2kKI/AAAAAAAAGAo/YTU632wtPtEW6KvPOomfi64ifv7937p7gCLcBGAs/s1600/F0898A3C-2F19-46A3-9B95-FF0B99E7D3D7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u68kCcAkvdk/XDwAHjQ2kKI/AAAAAAAAGAo/YTU632wtPtEW6KvPOomfi64ifv7937p7gCLcBGAs/s640/F0898A3C-2F19-46A3-9B95-FF0B99E7D3D7.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZaMPQwccYs/XDwAStZPQpI/AAAAAAAAGAs/gAET6rw7D68_n-1KCx8MpW0-Mq2tFbe6wCLcBGAs/s1600/847D8492-F715-4923-92E0-B28609E3094C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZaMPQwccYs/XDwAStZPQpI/AAAAAAAAGAs/gAET6rw7D68_n-1KCx8MpW0-Mq2tFbe6wCLcBGAs/s640/847D8492-F715-4923-92E0-B28609E3094C.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I cried like a baby (pun intended) when he left. I won't see him again for several months, and he will change and grow so much in that time. Hurts my heart. I was so sad that everyone in my family felt sorry for me and helped me undecorate for Christmas is record time. They just got to work and knocked it out, my boys included. (Amanda was down for the count on the couch with an ear infection . . . poor baby). I'm sure they still don't know how grateful I am to each of them . . . I was tired by New Year's from the whirlwind that was December.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, there you have it . . . Christmas 2018 in the books. I can't say I'm sorry to see 2018 go . . . I'm ready for an amazing 2019! I plan to be around here more often . . . but we all know how that goes.</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-32108085139442867272018-08-02T14:49:00.001-04:002018-08-02T14:49:46.136-04:00What's New with You Link-Up<span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey! Hi! Hello! Where have you been? Oh wait . . .&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Life is good over here in our little corner of the world. I skipped out on the blog again for no good reason. I'd promise to do better, but we all know how that goes. Winky face! Anyway . . . my most dedicated fan deserves a shout out . . . Hi Mom! Miss you! I know she will be surprised to see this so that makes it worth it!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Av-c77Fjto/W2NIdEt3bqI/AAAAAAAAF78/6kNCNFkbroELS7Br9YuAIOKLDc0jbBZgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Av-c77Fjto/W2NIdEt3bqI/AAAAAAAAF78/6kNCNFkbroELS7Br9YuAIOKLDc0jbBZgQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's start small with the most recent life event . . . the kids went back to school this week! How can it be that the summer has already come and gone? How is it that this baffles me every year? How ironic is it that we say summer is "over" and the temps are still in the 90's? So many deep questions over here . . . ha!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It both breaks my mama heart to see them go and makes my "OCD need for a schedule" heart sing. Things are way too loosey goosey around here so it's time to settle back in to a routine.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I feel like it's worth noting that it was raining pretty hard on the first morning of school and none of us could ever remember that happening in the past. Did that change my need to take an outdoor picture? Nope!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRA1zIS3F0g/W2NJBUyGqtI/AAAAAAAAF8E/HIcuYnxlILw1OnppJOj3AAw40ScxzBlNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRA1zIS3F0g/W2NJBUyGqtI/AAAAAAAAF8E/HIcuYnxlILw1OnppJOj3AAw40ScxzBlNACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0680.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So this picture made me realize that Kyle grew like a weed over the summer and is basically now 6 feet tall like his brother. I'm not too sure Ryan likes that he has caught up . . . LOL!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ryan is starting his Junior year, and Kyle is starting his Sophomore year! Ryan is the morning driver again, which I must say is fabulous. He is running cross country after school this fall so I will pick Kyle up until fall lacrosse starts. It's kind of lovely to have one on one time with a kid in the car so I'll take it!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LC2HdRIvciU/W2NKuzyVA4I/AAAAAAAAF8Q/ssFWVEbofgY8WfxXzNJWJSb7TT-8xb0IwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LC2HdRIvciU/W2NKuzyVA4I/AAAAAAAAF8Q/ssFWVEbofgY8WfxXzNJWJSb7TT-8xb0IwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0682.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Miss Amanda will be in 8th grade this year, and she is super happy about her schedule . . . both her teachers and friend ratio per class. I'm just glad that each kid has a friend to sit with during lunch . . . that's the scariest part if you ask me!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first day of school for me equals brunch and mimosas at my friend Shelly's house. Since it was a rainy day, I had to use a color filter for this picture because otherwise it just looked orange . . . just know we are cute either way. And I adore these mamas . . . they are the best. I wish I had more photos from the day, but this was it.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsUwAvKSqD8/W2NMIBNBCUI/AAAAAAAAF8c/hE9pBQvsAdQkSFHjYugybN8XV4vZTEsoQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsUwAvKSqD8/W2NMIBNBCUI/AAAAAAAAF8c/hE9pBQvsAdQkSFHjYugybN8XV4vZTEsoQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0488.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shelly has been graciously hosting this event for years, and every year I bring the same dish to share . . . breakfast cheesecake. Yes, it's as delicious as it sounds. I also notice that the homemade items all get eaten long before any store bought treats. So the lesson here is to take the time to make a dish to share with friends . . . it's so much more special . . . and tasty.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm happy to report that all the kids had a great first day. They were exhausted for sure, but I feel like we are going to have a fabulous year. I pray that every student has an amazingly safe, fun and productive school year too.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="Whats-New-With-You-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 250px;"><a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="What's New With You" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCPLsBVdVPI/WsY-WA141bI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/7sqVlpsLLDQDUcEHeutJASD0T-1tEm0LACLcBGAs/s320/whats%2Bnew%2Bwith%2Byou.jpg" width="250" /> </a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/2018/08/july-2018-recap-whats-new-with-you-link.html" target="_blank">Kristen</a> because she's adorbs!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-52096529859230846652018-02-14T08:15:00.001-05:002018-02-14T15:28:22.897-05:00Valentine's Day . . . with a side of extra<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">One of my goals in life is to have my children grow up and realize their mom was a freak . . . about holidays. I just love decorating the house with little touches of the season. I think it makes it feel more cozy and inviting.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0i_K_86OPUg/WoN_NGvW6kI/AAAAAAAAF4k/PaJfVIoIgqQaGMwnBhHXRcYXcXlNC5odwCLcBGAs/s1600/front%2Bentry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0i_K_86OPUg/WoN_NGvW6kI/AAAAAAAAF4k/PaJfVIoIgqQaGMwnBhHXRcYXcXlNC5odwCLcBGAs/s640/front%2Bentry.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">How about this for a warm welcome when you come into my house? Probably should have turned the lamp on for added effect but let's face it, I'm not a home blogger or a photographer.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XNuUO5vcM0/WoQwJuKjFtI/AAAAAAAAF40/Kf97LQ0a7vgrChJ9E4WAuXQmkra15VxKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XNuUO5vcM0/WoQwJuKjFtI/AAAAAAAAF40/Kf97LQ0a7vgrChJ9E4WAuXQmkra15VxKwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4827.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Can I just tell you that finding Valentine's decorations is not that easy. I was on a mission to find cute stuff and went to all the typical haunts but was underwhelmed. I do love a banner for the mantle these days since I don't have much room for tchotchkes.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rW-o47KOUas/WoQxM_f1ssI/AAAAAAAAF5A/dmGsRqqeYZ4emTZIm1467gy5LO-zgYBHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rW-o47KOUas/WoQxM_f1ssI/AAAAAAAAF5A/dmGsRqqeYZ4emTZIm1467gy5LO-zgYBHwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4826.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My favorite place to add things is on the shelves in the family room . . . so many little spots to fill with cute stuff.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fo0VHPeZVNo/WoQxT-NobeI/AAAAAAAAF5E/x0eJNpD7iLAiFLouXbnXY5LIca6j4_o6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fo0VHPeZVNo/WoQxT-NobeI/AAAAAAAAF5E/x0eJNpD7iLAiFLouXbnXY5LIca6j4_o6gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4825.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And the other side . . . would you just look at my sweet Abby in that picture . . . I miss her so.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrR-L-e-ILM/WoQyaUo1rFI/AAAAAAAAF5U/6dpGTqCsuUU16H-vff5Fy9F7GcU3UdpfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JrR-L-e-ILM/WoQyaUo1rFI/AAAAAAAAF5U/6dpGTqCsuUU16H-vff5Fy9F7GcU3UdpfgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4828.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And a few more random things . . . I can't put candy in this candy dish because Zeus would get a belly ache from eating it all.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pb4CWuIlJiw/WoQymACMcWI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/ZpSg4uIh8cEfbmb_42c1eMcgO_mZR7FXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pb4CWuIlJiw/WoQymACMcWI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/ZpSg4uIh8cEfbmb_42c1eMcgO_mZR7FXwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4829.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I got this little vase at the Dollar Store . . . what a score (said no one ever except me)!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzoF5TjjwD4/WoQzAkimu0I/AAAAAAAAF5c/iyb3Lj1LIVI_J0oMqiFX7r-ImOsiigibQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzoF5TjjwD4/WoQzAkimu0I/AAAAAAAAF5c/iyb3Lj1LIVI_J0oMqiFX7r-ImOsiigibQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4832.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">But the piece de resistance to my Valentine's Day decor is this adorable pillow. I mean I just thought it was the cutest with the conversation hearts. But wait . . . when I went to take the tags off it, I realized I had missed something amazing!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Yxt6H9Ijw/WoQzOTEyluI/AAAAAAAAF5g/PdevUgalNekHBHCtMVVEF8zB3yBF9lNsQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4Yxt6H9Ijw/WoQzOTEyluI/AAAAAAAAF5g/PdevUgalNekHBHCtMVVEF8zB3yBF9lNsQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4833.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Shut up! The other side lights up. Can you even stand it? I mean that is just the tackiest most fabulous thing ever. EVER.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5eCo507B_0/WoQzsyrcSZI/AAAAAAAAF5o/6bqdWhCvm-keAvSrXeVhbO8SHDSxPTjygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5eCo507B_0/WoQzsyrcSZI/AAAAAAAAF5o/6bqdWhCvm-keAvSrXeVhbO8SHDSxPTjygCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4831.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Here's the candy corner that has been on my counter for a few weeks . . . and I'm proud to say I've only had one peppermint patty the entire time. I'm trying to cook healthy and buy organic, but kids love a treat. My kids have left most of it alone except for a nibble here and there. My hope is that they don't become indulgent adults because they were denied yummy things when they were growing up . . . so far, so good.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBQ6d6g2kls/WoQ1XHxkVlI/AAAAAAAAF54/tPzrzpst2JAv0t_ptcyqyXuZOU1Jws-NgCLcBGAs/s1600/nuggets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBQ6d6g2kls/WoQ1XHxkVlI/AAAAAAAAF54/tPzrzpst2JAv0t_ptcyqyXuZOU1Jws-NgCLcBGAs/s640/nuggets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And speaking of indulging kids, Zeus and I made an early morning Chick-Fil-A run before the kids got up to surprise them with 30 count nugget trays. The boys tackled one before school and Amanda wants to take hers to share with friends at school . . . I thought that was sweet. In fact, she's the one that told me about the heart shaped nugget trays. Pretty genius of CFA if you ask me.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjvJWGeVfrk/WoQ2XeMUvWI/AAAAAAAAF6E/_9UgOdmKYeoG5Kl1Jiee9OrtIaS2iuQcwCLcBGAs/s1600/Happy-Valentines-Day-Pink-Text-Lettering-Wishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="716" height="530" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjvJWGeVfrk/WoQ2XeMUvWI/AAAAAAAAF6E/_9UgOdmKYeoG5Kl1Jiee9OrtIaS2iuQcwCLcBGAs/s640/Happy-Valentines-Day-Pink-Text-Lettering-Wishes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So there you have it . . . I wish you all the hearts and flowers and warm and fuzzies today . . . hug someone you love.</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-6869253715030950652018-02-12T06:30:00.000-05:002018-02-18T17:19:06.121-05:00Who is this fancy little lady? And other weekend topics . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kTrs1u7Mek/WoDpiIy928I/AAAAAAAAF14/1AwiiQMJAdY2-Z5HvfHf3GA3evhzt4FAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kTrs1u7Mek/WoDpiIy928I/AAAAAAAAF14/1AwiiQMJAdY2-Z5HvfHf3GA3evhzt4FAACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4803.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well she's my sweet little girl . . . how is it even possible that my BABY is wearing makeup and heels?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESvTpBiGA2s/WoDoiRw4HQI/AAAAAAAAF1w/7Rz-ANFXFqcjCkyDHgdxtii4SYYOjxD6gCLcBGAs/s1600/2f9822de064d6ed7499a3d3fbe4d6c72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESvTpBiGA2s/WoDoiRw4HQI/AAAAAAAAF1w/7Rz-ANFXFqcjCkyDHgdxtii4SYYOjxD6gCLcBGAs/s640/2f9822de064d6ed7499a3d3fbe4d6c72.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">For all you mamas of young ones out there, take heed . . . you're going to long for the days when they were little and always underfoot. Now really all I see is the back of her cute little head as she's off to hang out with her friends. Kind of like this . . .&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Md3wPNfyor0/WoDqZdsLf2I/AAAAAAAAF2E/K7eZcOQHtZwRB5Z_XahafD6TUA6e8JOEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Md3wPNfyor0/WoDqZdsLf2I/AAAAAAAAF2E/K7eZcOQHtZwRB5Z_XahafD6TUA6e8JOEwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So Friday was the Snow Ball for the middle school. Usually they call it the Winter Ball, but with a Stranger Things theme, Snow Ball it was. And no, I didn't get it either until I asked the kids.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5CKnvCWMpg/WoDrXhh2ktI/AAAAAAAAF2U/Kmd51eUZcQgfNhKM3Nbbw4j58GVIoeEngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5CKnvCWMpg/WoDrXhh2ktI/AAAAAAAAF2U/Kmd51eUZcQgfNhKM3Nbbw4j58GVIoeEngCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Amanda and I had fun getting a manicure and pedicure on Thursday . . . the ladies at the salon are just so sweet to her. And she loves to wear her brother's high school cross country sweatshirt . . . kinda cracks me up.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-OGem9VKFY/WoDqw3KwYeI/AAAAAAAAF2I/mr1J4J9sm9Q7Cf3OVjPScHnB00nNATNJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-OGem9VKFY/WoDqw3KwYeI/AAAAAAAAF2I/mr1J4J9sm9Q7Cf3OVjPScHnB00nNATNJQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">On Friday, I picked her up early from school so she could come home and get her makeup done before heading to her hair appointment. She went to see my friend Renee who has done my hair for like 15 years . . . I love her long time. And wow, Renee did an amazing job. Amanda has a LOT of hair.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZXcAsBC1cI/WoDsUkQ8hfI/AAAAAAAAF2g/DHhb32UXn_EGbl7CJ6NAl3nA8NA6LUToQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tZXcAsBC1cI/WoDsUkQ8hfI/AAAAAAAAF2g/DHhb32UXn_EGbl7CJ6NAl3nA8NA6LUToQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4802.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">She keep trying to feel her curls, and we kept telling her to stop touching them or they would fall out sooner. Guess you had to be there, but it was pretty funny. And a couple more pictures because can you really ever have too many of your kids? Nah.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNxKhYDDNnw/WoDstGxDZ7I/AAAAAAAAF2k/e25FQmpjGtYFTZf718VqlAeCsP6Woo8twCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNxKhYDDNnw/WoDstGxDZ7I/AAAAAAAAF2k/e25FQmpjGtYFTZf718VqlAeCsP6Woo8twCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4793.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UF62uSvzS08/WoDsxMgnuyI/AAAAAAAAF2o/9VapKSUJ0N86dS_uzEFXHa9wgpQdOT79wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UF62uSvzS08/WoDsxMgnuyI/AAAAAAAAF2o/9VapKSUJ0N86dS_uzEFXHa9wgpQdOT79wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4799.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I also have to give all the praise hands for Amanda's group of middle school friends. So far, and knock on wood, they are so fun and supportive and just love each others company.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI3lY1gCG3g/WoDtUevFhAI/AAAAAAAAF24/uViTvqoKC3E5K7iOYimY2Dz05IY79cz7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI3lY1gCG3g/WoDtUevFhAI/AAAAAAAAF24/uViTvqoKC3E5K7iOYimY2Dz05IY79cz7wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">There's a group of five that call themselves the "Gringos" and they love to be together. Would you just look at them? I adore each and every one of them . . . they are just the sweetest and most amazing group of girls. And most of the time they crack me up.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvTJLsFrFGI/WoDvja0OexI/AAAAAAAAF3E/aQQVnu4xD8IRPbmG56ScBQ2H4r9lMYpYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvTJLsFrFGI/WoDvja0OexI/AAAAAAAAF3E/aQQVnu4xD8IRPbmG56ScBQ2H4r9lMYpYQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4794.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">There are definitely some other fabulous girls that they spend time with . . . aren't they just so pretty all fancy for the dance?</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I feel super blessed that I got to be the mom to drive them to the dance and pick them up. It's fun to be a "fly in the driver's seat" and listen to them tell their stories. And it's also fun to be nosey and sneak into the dance to see the decorations, food options and all the kids dressed in their finery.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kr6sab9K8E/WoDwiNWC0qI/AAAAAAAAF3M/wDuf5e87Q2UZIA3IDyJBlf1rJ0J-jjoJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kr6sab9K8E/WoDwiNWC0qI/AAAAAAAAF3M/wDuf5e87Q2UZIA3IDyJBlf1rJ0J-jjoJQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4797.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The Gringos love them a late night Target run . . . which is made even better in fancy clothes. They thought they were pretty hysterical . . . or maybe that was me. This was right before a $51 Taco Bell run for them and my boys. Eye roll.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AS4NST48kPU/WoDxij-LJVI/AAAAAAAAF3c/ptV9iEXF9WESLh1C0lzlPfmhy9Q9Nvs3ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AS4NST48kPU/WoDxij-LJVI/AAAAAAAAF3c/ptV9iEXF9WESLh1C0lzlPfmhy9Q9Nvs3ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Not only do these cute little ladies love Target, they are super basic and think Starbucks is like the mother land. We try to get their once a week before school because it's super cool to walk into homeroom with a Starbucks cup. Obviously.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eViXQOD_8uc/WoDyH0l4CWI/AAAAAAAAF3k/3guWWYvxp-MV_F-rTA83atdtp63LhqxzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eViXQOD_8uc/WoDyH0l4CWI/AAAAAAAAF3k/3guWWYvxp-MV_F-rTA83atdtp63LhqxzwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4785.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">In other weekend news, we celebrated my Kyle turning 15 recently. He's such an easy going kid . . . sometime too easy going. Sure, I'll force a smile for you mom. I'm thrilled on the inside. Promise.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHIKJjll_Bk/WoDyqiCqETI/AAAAAAAAF3w/fKvQ-rnJ6Lg7797WVQKPOp5JvukNYNEFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHIKJjll_Bk/WoDyqiCqETI/AAAAAAAAF3w/fKvQ-rnJ6Lg7797WVQKPOp5JvukNYNEFACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4787.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Since he didn't ask for anything for his birthday, I had to get creative. "Alexa, can you set 42 alarms to wake Kyle up for school?" Perhaps a self-serving gift . . . sorry, not sorry.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHFsTwWq9hM/WoDy-YWvAFI/AAAAAAAAF30/YZnFFN7Q-ukvFC3Wj2nZ8Xgk7mP14uvkwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wHFsTwWq9hM/WoDy-YWvAFI/AAAAAAAAF30/YZnFFN7Q-ukvFC3Wj2nZ8Xgk7mP14uvkwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4788.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Of course he got the chance to blow out some candles . . . and hear us slay the birthday song! Since we had Steak &amp; Shake for dinner (his choice), no one ate any cake.&nbsp; Good thing I got a small one.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_N5Tqny7_c/WoDzdDeoz-I/AAAAAAAAF4A/lAqiBeWlPa4LNCZ8Qj_blFVonJSnTw84ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_N5Tqny7_c/WoDzdDeoz-I/AAAAAAAAF4A/lAqiBeWlPa4LNCZ8Qj_blFVonJSnTw84ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">On Sunday, my Cadette Girl Scouts took a field trip to the local <a href="http://www.merlenorman.com/" target="_blank">Merle Norman</a> store. Y'all, the owner and the sweet lady who helped me set up the meeting were amazing. Like just over the top fabulous with the girls.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1-9tXKoLEE/WoDz_s-e4JI/AAAAAAAAF4I/m36zJDvRF2cF38twWHhBN1FKrSkyQD-iACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1-9tXKoLEE/WoDz_s-e4JI/AAAAAAAAF4I/m36zJDvRF2cF38twWHhBN1FKrSkyQD-iACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">They talked about skin care, let the girls do their makeup, gave them tips and tricks for applying make up, had cookies and bottled water for them and sent them away with the cutest makeup bag filled with goodies.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__wCremxcHs/WoD0S7brPuI/AAAAAAAAF4M/a7omdCcT-hQft6jfWVpudPjtNW0nJbcJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__wCremxcHs/WoD0S7brPuI/AAAAAAAAF4M/a7omdCcT-hQft6jfWVpudPjtNW0nJbcJACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">They took almost two hours to work with the girls and not a single girl seemed to get bored. I remember my mother taking me for a make over and color consult to a Merle Norman when I was about their age so it was a very nostalgic experience.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzOg1punigQ/WoD1D3mdA1I/AAAAAAAAF4U/usDRzYi0aV81X3knlX-7u74-3Cmlh3QzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzOg1punigQ/WoD1D3mdA1I/AAAAAAAAF4U/usDRzYi0aV81X3knlX-7u74-3Cmlh3QzQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4813.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Finally on Sunday night, we did a semi-fancy Valentine's dinner . . . of breakfast foods. Life gets so busy during the week that I thought it would be easier and more relaxed to have our little celebration on Sunday evening. Geez, that picture is terrible, but it's the only one I have.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, there you have it . . . another weekend in the books. One more week before Winter Break . . . we are on the countdown!</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-83220699643670236312018-01-31T13:58:00.003-05:002018-01-31T13:58:37.041-05:00What's Up Wednesday?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFcCV0R_w_c/WnGz22ZmkjI/AAAAAAAAFzc/AzBViKIbFUgwd_8VH37cC_LeOf1c5yPJgCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatsUpWedUpdated%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="806" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFcCV0R_w_c/WnGz22ZmkjI/AAAAAAAAFzc/AzBViKIbFUgwd_8VH37cC_LeOf1c5yPJgCLcBGAs/s640/WhatsUpWedUpdated%2B%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm trying something new for 2018 . . . a once a month What's Up Wednesday link-up with <a href="http://thelarsonlingo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mel</a>, <a href="https://mixandmatchmama.com/" target="_blank">Shay </a>and <a href="http://thelarsonlingo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sheaffer</a>. It's the little things in life that are sweet to go back and remember so I thought this would be fun!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyone else slightly thrilled and also freaked out about the fact that today is the last day of January? My flu days this month dragged on, but now it seems like time is traveling at lightning speed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's what we are covering today . . .&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-anNye6KIR4g/Wm_EeU4ahlI/AAAAAAAAFzA/ElY97PRqKF4FlmwXSDgSjBlAyNznmXMCgCLcBGAs/s1600/WUWquestions-edit-1080x1142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-anNye6KIR4g/Wm_EeU4ahlI/AAAAAAAAFzA/ElY97PRqKF4FlmwXSDgSjBlAyNznmXMCgCLcBGAs/s640/WUWquestions-edit-1080x1142.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What we're eating this week . . .</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FhRqV_8vTg/WnG9xyNNwFI/AAAAAAAAFzs/GkgpWlvTEqw4ya_1zn1qpLnO0UPRkpL7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FhRqV_8vTg/WnG9xyNNwFI/AAAAAAAAFzs/GkgpWlvTEqw4ya_1zn1qpLnO0UPRkpL7gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4758.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, I'm still going strong with the 21 Day Sugar Detox so I am making main entrees that every one can eat, and then adding sides for the family and some others for myself. Shockingly no one else in my house has the same love of beets and Brussel sprouts! They are weird. Winky face.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: left;">And my sweet friend Natalia showed me how to make her delicious ground turkey and green salsa this week. No sugar, super healthy and most of all . . . so good! And based on my fabulous food pictures, I'm thinking food blogger is my next big thing. #not</div></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm reminiscing about . . .</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjYxafRTnJs/Wm_IgWCu0cI/AAAAAAAAFzM/PZC5rjDp6V8NxaxuCbiRmfNw3fro_v6PQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjYxafRTnJs/Wm_IgWCu0cI/AAAAAAAAFzM/PZC5rjDp6V8NxaxuCbiRmfNw3fro_v6PQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">As a mom of two high schoolers and a middle schooler, I'm always thinking about the days when my kids were little. The days before cell phones, X-boxes, major homework, social events without me, etc. I'm still adjusting to my oldest driving my middle son to high school every day. Every morning I stand at the door and wave goodbye to them . . . most days they don't even see me. But I'll be there when they do glance my way.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm loving . . .</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pSvwuVq3Is/WnINSVlbSUI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/1yFuXT4KjQE5xKp4AN7Cw3ySxwl9UXEOwCLcBGAs/s1600/Butcherbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pSvwuVq3Is/WnINSVlbSUI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/1yFuXT4KjQE5xKp4AN7Cw3ySxwl9UXEOwCLcBGAs/s640/Butcherbox.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Right now life seems to revolve around what I can eat so I'm thankful for my <a href="https://www.butcherbox.com/" target="_blank">Butcherbox </a>monthly grass-fed meat subscription, and my <a href="https://www.primalpalate.com/" target="_blank">Primal Palate</a> organic spices that I treated myself to this month. Both help take the guesswork out of what I'm eating so that's a bonus!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What we've been up to . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMdxUCIzTM8/WnH631llxUI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/w3PmfpvMVvw2z3hR1nf-7tJVYZHbN7mGwCLcBGAs/s1600/bedb7175142da312d69230ba7acec6d3--lacrosse-rules-lacrosse-memes-funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMdxUCIzTM8/WnH631llxUI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/w3PmfpvMVvw2z3hR1nf-7tJVYZHbN7mGwCLcBGAs/s640/bedb7175142da312d69230ba7acec6d3--lacrosse-rules-lacrosse-memes-funny.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lacrosse, lacrosse and more lacrosse! Both my boys are playing for the high school team. Kyle has been playing for awhile, but this is Ryan's first time. I am so proud of that kid for trying something new as a sophomore. School ends at 3:30 p.m., and they don't get home until around 6:30 every day. The first practice was in the rain, and the coach still had them stay the normal time. #hardcore</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My friend Michelle and I volunteered to be the concession moms for the season so I'm kind of excited about that. I'm sure that excitement will fade as the season goes on, but for now it seems like a good thing! Ha!</span></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm dreading . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTVNM6J5foU/WnIM1ZhL5zI/AAAAAAAAF1U/ElWY9kcVn3s5VoPFuzOxknGnZUYU16-HwCLcBGAs/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTVNM6J5foU/WnIM1ZhL5zI/AAAAAAAAF1U/ElWY9kcVn3s5VoPFuzOxknGnZUYU16-HwCLcBGAs/s640/garden.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eagle Scout paperwork . . . my Kyle has completed his Eagle Scout project, and all that remains is the final paperwork. He, and his fellow friends and scouts, built a fenced and gated garden at the middle school. It was a fabulous project . . . we are so proud of him. Now he has to finish the paperwork, and I get to be the "mom"ager on the task. Boo.</span></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm working on . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrusAlvbwEU/WnHAmDUY4MI/AAAAAAAAFz4/4N01IzL1VeM1Q74Q0n6TotESRBXillkvACLcBGAs/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="480" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrusAlvbwEU/WnHAmDUY4MI/AAAAAAAAFz4/4N01IzL1VeM1Q74Q0n6TotESRBXillkvACLcBGAs/s640/giphy.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, something for work actually . . . online QuickBooks training. My company generously paid for me to take the Mastering Quickbooks Levels 1 &amp; 2 self-paced training courses, and I'm hot and heavy into getting that done. I had to set a testing date to light the fire under me so on Monday, February 26, I'll head to a testing center for my exam. It's been a LONG time since I've had to study and honestly, I'm not hating it. See GIF above . . . LOL!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm excited about . . .</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUIwAgk_Sv0/WnH5PfRLdyI/AAAAAAAAF0E/_mVk-7BTjsMD23hAn0n5Tuvoozscu52KACLcBGAs/s1600/anigif_enhanced-5075-1442435790-6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="500" height="294" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUIwAgk_Sv0/WnH5PfRLdyI/AAAAAAAAF0E/_mVk-7BTjsMD23hAn0n5Tuvoozscu52KACLcBGAs/s640/anigif_enhanced-5075-1442435790-6.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Y'all, I'm headed straight to full blown hippie status soon. Tonight I'm going to a "Lunar Eclipse Drum Journey Meditation!" Yes, you read that right!&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have been doing lots of research on a variety of healthy topics and nearly 'everyone' says that while diet and exercise are super important, so is managing your stress and a sense of community. I have amazing friendships so I think community is covered, but I definitely need some Namaste in my life . . . more often than not, I need to chill the 'eff out.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm watching/reading . . .</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0--0kl2m2M/WnH9YpjJSQI/AAAAAAAAF0k/Cc0b2K4qfXcZ_0B3l80kCdnEArFS5EquACLcBGAs/s1600/parenthood110930003718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0--0kl2m2M/WnH9YpjJSQI/AAAAAAAAF0k/Cc0b2K4qfXcZ_0B3l80kCdnEArFS5EquACLcBGAs/s640/parenthood110930003718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I thought it might be fun to do a whole post on what I'm watching, reading, listening to (see below) so I'll just give a quick answer here. I just binged watched Parenthood on Netflix. I was an accident. I was so bored when I had the flu that I started it. It was so amazing that I watched it in all my spare minutes and even got the rest of the family into it. I was equally sad and grateful when I was done . . . I needed my life back.</span></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm listening to . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WR0PGuli0dQ/WnH7tgiMlHI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/WmGv92S6OdwiuahXlt5jZBrIGfVg7TzYwCLcBGAs/s1600/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WR0PGuli0dQ/WnH7tgiMlHI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/WmGv92S6OdwiuahXlt5jZBrIGfVg7TzYwCLcBGAs/s640/download%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello my name is Amy, and I'm addicted to podcasts. Like there is not enough time in my life to listen to them all. My friend Amy (I should tally how many 'Amys' are in my life . . . it's a lot) turned me onto these, and I can't stop, won't stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Might I recommend Ear Hustle? It's a podcast from and about inmates at San Quentin prison. Give it a listen . . . it is fabulous.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm wearing . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpASct3xyJk/WnH-JGwZOxI/AAAAAAAAF0s/n91JO99b3gAVCfRfS5s0Ca3tXKXca_1-ACLcBGAs/s1600/cn14430577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpASct3xyJk/WnH-JGwZOxI/AAAAAAAAF0s/n91JO99b3gAVCfRfS5s0Ca3tXKXca_1-ACLcBGAs/s640/cn14430577.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Way more yoga pants than I should . . . but I do walk Zeus every day . . . plus they are so comfy. And since it's been so darn cold, I wear a sweatshirt most days plus my coat . . . <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=819483122&amp;CAWELAID=120299900000844438&amp;CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=35201331985&amp;CATCI=pla-298663229988&amp;device=c&amp;product_channel=online&amp;Matchtype=&amp;tid=onpl000000&amp;kwid=1&amp;ap=7&amp;lsft=device:c,cvosrc:cse.google.online_Brand,cvo_campaign:690748441,cvo_pid:35201331985,cvo_crid:155158479490,Matchtype:,tid:onpl000000,kwid:1,ap:7&amp;cvosrc=cse.google.online_Brand&amp;cvo_campaign=690748441&amp;cvo_pid=35201331985&amp;cvo_crid=155158479490&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA78XTBRBiEiwAGv7EKpgWrNRxe3a20fRdPgHOhl1j0TM-GHgQ6YvL2lQcf5rhLDg_cgDSixoCb3gQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">this one</a> from Old Navy is my favorite right now!&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm doing this weekend . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoT-n5ZkfHU/WnIBalDZUwI/AAAAAAAAF04/Pf_MWLuZeXU-YyNfERc_U35Nx7HSaF25ACLcBGAs/s1600/012918_superbowl_reacts-900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NoT-n5ZkfHU/WnIBalDZUwI/AAAAAAAAF04/Pf_MWLuZeXU-YyNfERc_U35Nx7HSaF25ACLcBGAs/s640/012918_superbowl_reacts-900x506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lemme check my calendar. Amanda is going to be a Camp Assistant at Girl Scout camp this summer so she has overnight training Friday evening through Saturday afternoon! And then on Sunday, the Super Bowl. Getzy is a Patriots fan so yeah, he's ready for Sunday.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What I'm looking forward to next month . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK06Jwfni8I/WnIEB-tDbwI/AAAAAAAAF1E/44_EzRAts_Uw1Hfkwft4DW5zI2YW9z2dgCLcBGAs/s1600/winter-break-its-tem106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="600" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK06Jwfni8I/WnIEB-tDbwI/AAAAAAAAF1E/44_EzRAts_Uw1Hfkwft4DW5zI2YW9z2dgCLcBGAs/s640/winter-break-its-tem106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Winter Break from school!! My kids get a week off in February. We are all happy to not set alarms, and I'm happy not to make lunches for everyone.&nbsp;</span></div></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What else is new . . .</span></b></div></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Geez, I think I've covered it all for now.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif;"><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Bonus question this month: What's your favorite soup recipe . . .</span></b></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"></div><div style="font-size: x-large;"></div><div style="font-size: x-large;"></div><div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Tortellini Soup (so delicious)</span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 lb. Ground Italian Sausage<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 c. chopped onion<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 cloves garlic, minced<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">5 c. beef broth<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">¾-1 c. red wine<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 ½ c. water<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1-2 cans petite diced tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 c. thinly sliced carrots<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ t. basil<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">½ t. oregano<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 8 oz. can tomato sauce<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 ½ c. sliced zucchini<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 medium&nbsp;green pepper, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">1 pkg. frozen cheese tortellini<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3 T. chopped parsley<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Grated Parmesan cheese<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In a large pot, brown sausage and drain, reserving a small amount of grease.&nbsp; Saute the onion and garlic in the grease.&nbsp; Add the broth, wine, water, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage.&nbsp; Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.&nbsp; Add green pepper and zucchini and simmer for another 10 minutes.&nbsp; Add tortellini and simmer for another 10-20 minutes, or until tortellini are done.&nbsp; Sprinkle with </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Parmesan</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">&nbsp;cheese before serving.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div></div></div></span></div></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-31020348759974681022018-01-22T06:00:00.000-05:002018-01-22T06:00:11.569-05:00Why is it so hard . . .<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To keep up with this blog? I mean seriously. I think the problem is more when I get out of doing it, it's hard to know what to say to get started again.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJPuKL_6UVM/WmVB3nqfloI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/FXz4W2qmdBUAcn_pD9gnE36M96L93EwXACLcBGAs/s1600/tenor.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJPuKL_6UVM/WmVB3nqfloI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/FXz4W2qmdBUAcn_pD9gnE36M96L93EwXACLcBGAs/s320/tenor.gif" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Should I do a big summary of life lately, which is overwhelming and stops me in my tracks, or do I just do a weekend recap and pretend I haven't been gone for a few months?&nbsp; Mom, what should I do?!?&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let's just go with a quick weekend recap . . . which would technically start last Tuesday night when school was cancelled for snow on Wednesday . . . and continued through Friday.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXIVBXQXD-o/WmVEAqLJYHI/AAAAAAAAFwc/4GXFEibtk_4y1ay6KRe_eKR8gMxkWgvGgCLcBGAs/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="260" height="477" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXIVBXQXD-o/WmVEAqLJYHI/AAAAAAAAFwc/4GXFEibtk_4y1ay6KRe_eKR8gMxkWgvGgCLcBGAs/s640/download.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So in summary, my kids had school exactly one day last week due to the MLK holiday. In the end that was a good thing because my Ryan had a fever Friday night through Monday, but it was gone Tuesday . . . thus school. When you're in high school with an AP class, you don't want to miss.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday night was super lit . . . and I'm pretty sure as a mom I'm not supposed to even say that . . . but, it totally was. I braved the impending snow storm for this . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVD68NkkusE/WmVGYBnJRxI/AAAAAAAAFwo/cZ5qsYJ5T48ePAQ62v5aNB_hULGY5_NiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVD68NkkusE/WmVGYBnJRxI/AAAAAAAAFwo/cZ5qsYJ5T48ePAQ62v5aNB_hULGY5_NiwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4717.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The overwhelming response from everyone has been, "Who is Milky Chance?" Well have a listen . . . they rock.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iX-QaNzd-0Y/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iX-QaNzd-0Y?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was my first time at the Buckhead Theater, and I give it two thumbs up! The boys opted for a spot on the rail which was genius really . . . we had such good views.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmBGBOKJR6Y/WmVImVjxvaI/AAAAAAAAFxM/dzNZVamwO3wHo9T4yZ2XxLrJ61EdBgDZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Milky%2BChance%2BConcert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmBGBOKJR6Y/WmVImVjxvaI/AAAAAAAAFxM/dzNZVamwO3wHo9T4yZ2XxLrJ61EdBgDZwCLcBGAs/s640/Milky%2BChance%2BConcert.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The boys sang and danced and generally had a blast. I was the creeper mom standing behind them keeping an eye on things. I know my place . . . I didn't try to high five and chat it up with them or dance it out.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We made it h0me safe and sound which was a huge blessing because we were snowed in for the next two days due to ice and Georgia hills.&nbsp; Well the kids and I were trapped . . . Getzy rolled out bright and early Wednesday morning in the Jeep and used 4-wheel drive the whole way to work. He's crazy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We hung out with friends, the kids had birthday parties and I spent a lot of time with this guy . . . who is technically not allowed on the couch. But with a blanket and when it's cold, it's totally okay, right?!? Right.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6G0ghDBiBOQ/WmVK3mxnAuI/AAAAAAAAFxY/sx0WyLjBe9gh2hrBn2Uw_SJ9KWfLJlASACLcBGAs/s1600/Zeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6G0ghDBiBOQ/WmVK3mxnAuI/AAAAAAAAFxY/sx0WyLjBe9gh2hrBn2Uw_SJ9KWfLJlASACLcBGAs/s640/Zeus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know, I know . . . he is too big for the couch . . . but would you just look at him? So handsome and sits so properly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lffb-bh1KQ/WmVMQuTiKhI/AAAAAAAAFyY/kQJzNQvfOtQSLDjeODfOZ-g8Vapnc-nyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lffb-bh1KQ/WmVMQuTiKhI/AAAAAAAAFyY/kQJzNQvfOtQSLDjeODfOZ-g8Vapnc-nyACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4722.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fV6L5kEOks0/WmVMPdJFZUI/AAAAAAAAFyU/_g2v51E8QhIR7qR8TAka59ALmj4-tFqrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4724%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fV6L5kEOks0/WmVMPdJFZUI/AAAAAAAAFyU/_g2v51E8QhIR7qR8TAka59ALmj4-tFqrQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4724%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't typically watch movies in my free time, but I'm obsessed with all things British royalty. I thoroughly enjoyed this from Redbox this weekend.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGVVIGrqKkw/WmVLCltvTTI/AAAAAAAAFxc/E_XbY1nnOWM4oY9XSTh561rdUqog0qt6wCLcBGAs/s1600/victoria-and-abdul-et00050146-06-12-2016-03-37-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGVVIGrqKkw/WmVLCltvTTI/AAAAAAAAFxc/E_XbY1nnOWM4oY9XSTh561rdUqog0qt6wCLcBGAs/s640/victoria-and-abdul-et00050146-06-12-2016-03-37-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I suppose the mostly newsworthy event of the weekend was starting my 21 day sugar detox on Sunday.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLN6HhTjwWo/WmVMui8YcLI/AAAAAAAAFyg/HMPmwAJhrNQKBGxxuLtgLQ0m61aiPZvJACLcBGAs/s1600/21%2Bday%2Bsugar%2Bdetox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="250" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pLN6HhTjwWo/WmVMui8YcLI/AAAAAAAAFyg/HMPmwAJhrNQKBGxxuLtgLQ0m61aiPZvJACLcBGAs/s640/21%2Bday%2Bsugar%2Bdetox.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's kind of like a kicked up Whole 30, which I've completed twice. I feel like I'm addicted to sugar so this seemed like a good challenge to tame the sugar beast. I tend to do better with strict rules . . . we shall see.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWBQeAYsegs/WmVNsAIUcTI/AAAAAAAAFyw/p54b08lkjS8YTvyY7R1Fbh118HeVOetEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWBQeAYsegs/WmVNsAIUcTI/AAAAAAAAFyw/p54b08lkjS8YTvyY7R1Fbh118HeVOetEACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4697.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I even went to a book signing with my friend Natalia to meet the author. Diane was lovely. It was the first time I've ever been to a book signing . . . I thought it was a neat experience.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And I seriously look like a giant here . . . I guess I do have several inches on my tiny Colombia friend and Diane was sitting down. But damn, pictures are sometimes harsh realities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well that wasn't so hard. I absolutely love to go back and read old posts so when you see me, tell me to get on my blog writing! I hope you had a fabulous weekend too . . .&nbsp;</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-36409354678637508672017-10-18T06:30:00.000-04:002017-10-18T06:30:19.785-04:00Fall Break . . . Panama City Beach style<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fall break is so dreamy. It's my favorite break of the whole school year. Or maybe I'm just saying that because it was the most recent break, and perhaps I'll feel the same about Winter break too? Either way, I love it.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFoT6cu6gsI/WeU4QaG46NI/AAAAAAAAFto/dvGf__TOfPwaLadDjeoBPeX9scUJSTQcwCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFoT6cu6gsI/WeU4QaG46NI/AAAAAAAAFto/dvGf__TOfPwaLadDjeoBPeX9scUJSTQcwCLcBGAs/s640/the%2Bboys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The above photo just about sums up the week . . . it was a dude fest.&nbsp; The teen boys took over our vacation this year, and I wasn't mad about it.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxSa1V40OUk/WeU62gL7PoI/AAAAAAAAFtw/zk-c5WhkB8seU4wg1kIB9cerBDGUINeCwCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxSa1V40OUk/WeU62gL7PoI/AAAAAAAAFtw/zk-c5WhkB8seU4wg1kIB9cerBDGUINeCwCLcBGAs/s640/the%2Bgirls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thanks goodness Amanda and her sweet friend Zoe brought some girl vibes to the scene. They were awesome, as usual . . . very self-sufficient and easy going. I would take these two anywhere!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjx3YN05vRc/WeU7NWoQJgI/AAAAAAAAFt0/CMm1ZxD35EgK5zn82jn9vHXysHOlK5nigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjx3YN05vRc/WeU7NWoQJgI/AAAAAAAAFt0/CMm1ZxD35EgK5zn82jn9vHXysHOlK5nigCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And of course, thank goodness for my friends too! We had a blast. Michelle and I taught Natalia the fine art of sitting on the beach ALL. DAY. LONG. And hitting the cocktails first thing in the morning. She was an excellent learner!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gn0Sc42UeI/WeVDmgx1lwI/AAAAAAAAFuE/-pnzNKEBq-My6Z3ki6hsRVkqB7PyPgDLACLcBGAs/s1600/funnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Gn0Sc42UeI/WeVDmgx1lwI/AAAAAAAAFuE/-pnzNKEBq-My6Z3ki6hsRVkqB7PyPgDLACLcBGAs/s640/funnies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There were too many hysterical moments of the week . . . not any good photos to document them, but I'll just leave these here with minimal&nbsp;explanation. There was an insane lady who thought terrible things were falling on her balcony, but that was false. There was a beach tackling incident that was both shocking and hilarious. There is always a Speedo when Juan is involved. And when fools take goofy selfies, they sometimes show up on the Internets. Suckas. And for the last time, who the hell is Bob? I mean, seriously, "what the wwhhaaattt?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We go to the beach to well, . . . go to the beach. We don't run around site seeing and barely make it off the beach to shower and head to dinner every night. We all just seemed to entertain ourselves doing beach things like . . .</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Looking for hermit crabs and sand dollars . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJTZGbISVjQ/WeZ1wUNETwI/AAAAAAAAFuU/OFBUizbtbPooEMtC-ECsaPrValj7WN8ogCLcBGAs/s1600/underwater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1304" height="488" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SJTZGbISVjQ/WeZ1wUNETwI/AAAAAAAAFuU/OFBUizbtbPooEMtC-ECsaPrValj7WN8ogCLcBGAs/s640/underwater.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Digging unexplained&nbsp;holes to bury one's self in . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qUyt-iuFZI/WeZ2KhFcuQI/AAAAAAAAFuY/EsMvVqDIBqUpsTyV2cyvyGnC5W9hKjg8gCLcBGAs/s1600/ryan%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1342" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qUyt-iuFZI/WeZ2KhFcuQI/AAAAAAAAFuY/EsMvVqDIBqUpsTyV2cyvyGnC5W9hKjg8gCLcBGAs/s640/ryan%2B.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Spending hours creating a WATER pong sand table . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrJ9PD-LKd4/WeZ6N5B1hVI/AAAAAAAAFuk/rr0kKL98TFcbWH6y4qLwu7t5N3TCCHBhACLcBGAs/s1600/Goonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JrJ9PD-LKd4/WeZ6N5B1hVI/AAAAAAAAFuk/rr0kKL98TFcbWH6y4qLwu7t5N3TCCHBhACLcBGAs/s640/Goonies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rubbing red Popsicle&nbsp;on your chest to make your mother think you got sunburned&nbsp;and then watching her flip out and then being annoyed she wants a picture because it was so funny . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxeADtVziIQ/WeZ6sgo7L6I/AAAAAAAAFuo/ntVak2_Q4QUFWtcF1eJoVplyD0aaLNDVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="975" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxeADtVziIQ/WeZ6sgo7L6I/AAAAAAAAFuo/ntVak2_Q4QUFWtcF1eJoVplyD0aaLNDVgCLcBGAs/s640/Kyle.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Playing on a cellular device . . . possibly working, possibly gaming, possibly changing the music . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMGWb7M9lcc/WeZ7oUjCNYI/AAAAAAAAFu0/0ZhxP4SePsEuSw_fktpX8evyyx0AQcl_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Getzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMGWb7M9lcc/WeZ7oUjCNYI/AAAAAAAAFu0/0ZhxP4SePsEuSw_fktpX8evyyx0AQcl_gCLcBGAs/s640/Getzy.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Paddle boarding together . . . which they thought was super fun, btw. . . {Thank you to our friends that brought it to the beach every day and were willing to share!}</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-arQOLe-_wCc/WeaaK5FEzhI/AAAAAAAAFvE/fWADTndc3yg1udXBFGYZ_Q6I8Cv2npxqwCLcBGAs/s1600/paddleboarding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="409" height="488" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-arQOLe-_wCc/WeaaK5FEzhI/AAAAAAAAFvE/fWADTndc3yg1udXBFGYZ_Q6I8Cv2npxqwCLcBGAs/s640/paddleboarding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Swear on the bible my kid and her friend are wearing bikini tops . . . <br />the backs had white straps. LOL!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Entertaining the masses . . . with weird finger moves?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TybwUlcQW0I/WeaciBIlp9I/AAAAAAAAFvQ/hZ7-UsoCa-MHotiFP9LW_XjuKSfg5CmXgCLcBGAs/s1600/Steven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TybwUlcQW0I/WeaciBIlp9I/AAAAAAAAFvQ/hZ7-UsoCa-MHotiFP9LW_XjuKSfg5CmXgCLcBGAs/s640/Steven.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Looking like a beach babe, all day every day . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWaqVwHgUPg/WeacrBvgZSI/AAAAAAAAFvU/8v_BHcyEPEcog7UJK9j1OMjxPt1uEKE5QCLcBGAs/s1600/Michelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWaqVwHgUPg/WeacrBvgZSI/AAAAAAAAFvU/8v_BHcyEPEcog7UJK9j1OMjxPt1uEKE5QCLcBGAs/s640/Michelle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Floating way too far out and freaking your mom out who thinks you fell asleep . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-LkaXoNDuc/Weacw48dHsI/AAAAAAAAFvY/B4NPwjHI1tcmOyvzMbBtvrcI_5USajPOACLcBGAs/s1600/Kyle%2Bfloating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-LkaXoNDuc/Weacw48dHsI/AAAAAAAAFvY/B4NPwjHI1tcmOyvzMbBtvrcI_5USajPOACLcBGAs/s640/Kyle%2Bfloating.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Struggling to simply sit in a chair . . . ever heard the expression "fold up like a lawn chair?" Well here you go . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxubEk9yi3o/Wead57qeR5I/AAAAAAAAFvk/_IrKBiCZ-VwL1NWm4XRSBxzRBfbSBsZ9QCLcBGAs/s1600/chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxubEk9yi3o/Wead57qeR5I/AAAAAAAAFvk/_IrKBiCZ-VwL1NWm4XRSBxzRBfbSBsZ9QCLcBGAs/s640/chair.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Wondering where the heck your partner in crime is and why is she taking so long . . . so you pretend Myrtle the Turtle is her . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7wix2UvQro/WeaeCSWeJCI/AAAAAAAAFvo/b_bFCo8BT4YSS06Bqdk0K6xrb9y9XKBDwCLcBGAs/s1600/turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1600" height="564" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7wix2UvQro/WeaeCSWeJCI/AAAAAAAAFvo/b_bFCo8BT4YSS06Bqdk0K6xrb9y9XKBDwCLcBGAs/s640/turtle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So yeah, that's what we did. For 7 whole days. It was glorious.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of glorious, check out these sunsets. I am way more likely to see a sunset than a sunrise . . . so here you go!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDwkTn3urbg/WeagrkXfp4I/AAAAAAAAFv0/AhCChl9RLqArv-KUlAZk7D60usEycU0mgCLcBGAs/s1600/Sunsets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDwkTn3urbg/WeagrkXfp4I/AAAAAAAAFv0/AhCChl9RLqArv-KUlAZk7D60usEycU0mgCLcBGAs/s640/Sunsets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will spare you the details about how our original condo flooded, and the rental company called me about an hour before arriving in PCB to tell me how lucky was I was to get an upgrade . . . at another resort. Keep in mind my friends and my sons were at the resort where I rented. So after promptly telling them that wouldn't work, we spent the first night at a different resort and then moved to a completely different condo that wasn't as conveniently located to our friends, but at least was in the same complex. So all is well that ends well is how I'm looking at that debacle. And yes, I promise there were more details, but I said I'd spare you. Ha!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So the most random vacation post ever . . . I feel like I should apologize for it but . . . nah. Enjoy.</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-31753196981352434462017-10-13T07:05:00.000-04:002017-10-13T07:05:02.157-04:00Friday Favorites . . . on Friday, the 13th!<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I love a Friday Favorites post because it's a treat to scroll back through my phone and reminisce about things that made me happy recently so let's get to it . . .</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><b>1.&nbsp; </b>Ahh, fall . . . it is for sure my favorite season. It just feels so cozy to me. The smells of cinnamon, raking leaves, cooler temperatures (well, sort of) and all things pumpkin . . . especially a pumpkin patch.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sORw8DsPNiU/Wd_9hS5Yn_I/AAAAAAAAFrI/jX97Q5ogHn43OFxCLMa5jqzwaLA5Li5JgCLcBGAs/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1600" height="588" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sORw8DsPNiU/Wd_9hS5Yn_I/AAAAAAAAFrI/jX97Q5ogHn43OFxCLMa5jqzwaLA5Li5JgCLcBGAs/s640/group.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Amanda is still game for all my adventures, but the boys would rather just not. I bribed them this year . . . Ryan got to skip the early release day at school, and Kyle got a new video game. #parentingboss They smiled when asked for pictures, but I saw them like this quite a bit.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kwoz0eu6CXQ/WeABS_GCpUI/AAAAAAAAFrU/B62Wfyk32YIbOsdTNbS12pr-BsoRWdr2QCLcBGAs/s1600/Boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kwoz0eu6CXQ/WeABS_GCpUI/AAAAAAAAFrU/B62Wfyk32YIbOsdTNbS12pr-BsoRWdr2QCLcBGAs/s640/Boys.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: x-small;">Kyle is not normally a mouth breather . . . I must have caught him saying something to Ryan.&nbsp; LOL.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I looked around for a new place to go but couldn't find one I preferred over our old standby . . . <a href="http://pettitcreekfarms.com/tablet/index.html" target="_blank">Pettit Creek Farms </a>in Cartersville, GA.&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y1bvcCfd-8/WeANcAT6QUI/AAAAAAAAFro/qzagZUI6U6EvFyx9Iec1AQo-Yauz7rZNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y1bvcCfd-8/WeANcAT6QUI/AAAAAAAAFro/qzagZUI6U6EvFyx9Iec1AQo-Yauz7rZNQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4165.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: x-small;">The boys politely declined to join . . . ha!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">They always have a Groupon, there's enough to keep the kids busy to justify the cost and everyone is just so nice. Oh, and they have camels. Yes, camels!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf44JRKjk5w/WeAMLWQYPlI/AAAAAAAAFrk/FVumDaVL34AEemZSsCwhb5y9PfVwYQd_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf44JRKjk5w/WeAMLWQYPlI/AAAAAAAAFrk/FVumDaVL34AEemZSsCwhb5y9PfVwYQd_gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4171.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Included in the entry fee is a hayride (minus any hay, actually) and for a dollar, you can buy a bag of food to feed the animals. I bought each kid a bag . . . even the ones that said no thank you. Yes, you will all enjoy my fall fun.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPcUi52azPs/WeAPSPJs8SI/AAAAAAAAFrs/5Nky7pq7OUYYOWESxdrnWt4Q-_r6mVzVgCLcBGAs/s1600/fall%2Bfun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HPcUi52azPs/WeAPSPJs8SI/AAAAAAAAFrs/5Nky7pq7OUYYOWESxdrnWt4Q-_r6mVzVgCLcBGAs/s640/fall%2Bfun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I love that Amanda's friends could join us. They call themselves the "Gringos" and love to hang out together. They really are such sweet girls . . . they seem to know when to tease each other and when to give support. I'm trying really hard not to raise a mean girl . . . and having such a good set of friends makes that easier.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_00TWvsGm_8/WeAQDZLz7CI/AAAAAAAAFrw/J4Bzwrolutcgw4noM69aE7EbfjG4-Vt3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_00TWvsGm_8/WeAQDZLz7CI/AAAAAAAAFrw/J4Bzwrolutcgw4noM69aE7EbfjG4-Vt3gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">A mom can never have too many pictures of her kids all together and thankfully mine were happy to indulge me. Oh, my heart.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZvG97mCpVs/WeARqiKho0I/AAAAAAAAFr0/jANgeRyFU08mo44TdaYPf7qbVYrQJINcQCLcBGAs/s1600/My%2Bbabies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZvG97mCpVs/WeARqiKho0I/AAAAAAAAFr0/jANgeRyFU08mo44TdaYPf7qbVYrQJINcQCLcBGAs/s640/My%2Bbabies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><b>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;</b>Zeus . . . he's a mess. He is so fun with our family and loves my kids so much . . . that's why he gets to keep a permanent residence at our house despite his general grumpy demeanor with others. But would you just look at him and his girl? I can't even.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnJdGYf72zc/WeATMBMOWuI/AAAAAAAAFsA/TcTHpZ0GLmkiqoKjbj4aGmjZS0ibFngQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Zeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnJdGYf72zc/WeATMBMOWuI/AAAAAAAAFsA/TcTHpZ0GLmkiqoKjbj4aGmjZS0ibFngQgCLcBGAs/s640/Zeus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><b>3.&nbsp; </b>Are any of you out there a fan of Gilmore Girls? Several friends have recommended this over the years, but I never wanted to make the commitment to 7 seasons with 22 shows per season.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgIxt_HH4Jo/WeAT_pTF1eI/AAAAAAAAFsE/0MLjS32T41AYXiA6qeg-CffujQ8zW7JLQCLcBGAs/s1600/5a7f87b82f8ac99baa75ebcb4e338024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgIxt_HH4Jo/WeAT_pTF1eI/AAAAAAAAFsE/0MLjS32T41AYXiA6qeg-CffujQ8zW7JLQCLcBGAs/s640/5a7f87b82f8ac99baa75ebcb4e338024.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">As it turns out, I love it. I watched one episode a while ago and then took a break. I picked it back up recently and now have to regulate myself on not binge-ing and ignoring other things in my life. It's so good.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><b>4.&nbsp; </b>Amanda loves horseback riding, and I love to watch her. I also like to text my mom each week so she can see which horse Amanda is riding and pictures and videos of her riding and jumping . . . it makes my mama so happy since she always wanted to ride horses as a child.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So far we have her favorite . . . the gorgeous Dixie.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lr99Xd0Lnk/WeAV4Frs5GI/AAAAAAAAFsM/K9-I__pYAbw0VUXJn1Xxs9VeVzmmBO9WQCLcBGAs/s1600/Dixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1600" height="608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lr99Xd0Lnk/WeAV4Frs5GI/AAAAAAAAFsM/K9-I__pYAbw0VUXJn1Xxs9VeVzmmBO9WQCLcBGAs/s640/Dixie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Next up is Tennessee Whiskey . . . a lovely gray fellow.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvNhMgUUP8s/WeAWTuP1EjI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/v_KPCVRvKcAh1Si1i_fywCg4JBAasjwWACLcBGAs/s1600/T%2BWhiskey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvNhMgUUP8s/WeAWTuP1EjI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/v_KPCVRvKcAh1Si1i_fywCg4JBAasjwWACLcBGAs/s640/T%2BWhiskey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And this past week was Winchester . . . such a dapper name.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUuZvlmR1-8/WeAXibElRdI/AAAAAAAAFsU/BCLPKSvzloAhTtSqjIayDAFJN-Weay4NACLcBGAs/s1600/Winchester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUuZvlmR1-8/WeAXibElRdI/AAAAAAAAFsU/BCLPKSvzloAhTtSqjIayDAFJN-Weay4NACLcBGAs/s640/Winchester.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Amanda rides with an English saddle and is working on her jumping skills. They start off with "jumping" over poles and then they just keep getting higher . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL61HIDnyRQ/WeAX9fpOIdI/AAAAAAAAFsY/gxeCPzytHcMs_yVwxajKT0qpFwP_YhX6wCLcBGAs/s1600/jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1600" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sL61HIDnyRQ/WeAX9fpOIdI/AAAAAAAAFsY/gxeCPzytHcMs_yVwxajKT0qpFwP_YhX6wCLcBGAs/s640/jumping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And higher!&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Oh my mama heart drops every time, but I know she loves it. And she looks so cool!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZAoHYoc3aw/WeAYLu8vRRI/AAAAAAAAFsc/FRO-emstph0kwVIHCkEUJ1inJL3-_Q4GgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dixie%2Bjumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="630" height="556" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZAoHYoc3aw/WeAYLu8vRRI/AAAAAAAAFsc/FRO-emstph0kwVIHCkEUJ1inJL3-_Q4GgCLcBGAs/s640/Dixie%2Bjumping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">See . . . aren't you impressed too?</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><b>5.&nbsp; </b>My sweet friend Kim invited us to her lake house in north Georgia last Saturday, and we had a blast! They made us a delicious lunch and were the perfect hosts.&nbsp; And man is their lake house gorgeous.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Getzy clearly didn't have any trouble kicking back and relaxing on the water.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx7zOdALTvk/WeAasNeSeqI/AAAAAAAAFsk/9MilMC5pc4MaxwaW1iA0-pTuaeZgdo8dgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx7zOdALTvk/WeAasNeSeqI/AAAAAAAAFsk/9MilMC5pc4MaxwaW1iA0-pTuaeZgdo8dgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4123.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We had so much fun boating, and the kids had a blast tubing.&nbsp; I took action shots but they all came out blurry so these will have to do.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edY4NnDSvns/WeAc44zNgKI/AAAAAAAAFs0/rtm6TIIC_DwTaFQdR7FQ_1Dgl1dXYVrkgCLcBGAs/s1600/tubing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edY4NnDSvns/WeAc44zNgKI/AAAAAAAAFs0/rtm6TIIC_DwTaFQdR7FQ_1Dgl1dXYVrkgCLcBGAs/s640/tubing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last but not least . . . I was thinking maybe I could add one of these to our Christmas card or get a new profile pic for Facebook, but my Kyle got a little over zealous with his smile.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBsQ8gtlt9k/WeAd9qEbLiI/AAAAAAAAFtA/2JUR2Q14FG8wFCFcyQBkgEM5djcx2E8ngCLcBGAs/s1600/Big%2Bsmile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="502" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBsQ8gtlt9k/WeAd9qEbLiI/AAAAAAAAFtA/2JUR2Q14FG8wFCFcyQBkgEM5djcx2E8ngCLcBGAs/s640/Big%2Bsmile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every time I look at that picture, I giggle. What a goofball . . . but they all keep us laughing. My favorite quote of the day was when Ryan fell off, and as we were circling around to get him he said, "It was like I was Jesus."&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>6. </b>I'm adding an extra this week . . . I need to send a special shout out to my gorgeous friend Anny. I joined her gym recently and needed someone to basically hold my hand in the weight room since it's been awhile for me.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OS69xlv3KdI/WeAfnFtAsHI/AAAAAAAAFtE/zEy6NHwvIcUnukDIUwF865LsOlJ5gs3uACLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_mdq6wkZgaD1qgmflj.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="245" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OS69xlv3KdI/WeAfnFtAsHI/AAAAAAAAFtE/zEy6NHwvIcUnukDIUwF865LsOlJ5gs3uACLcBGAs/s640/tumblr_mdq6wkZgaD1qgmflj.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I met her there this week and she spent about an hour walking me through so many different weight lifting options. I was so darn impressed with how much she knew and can appreciate how her body is so amazing. Now I just need to put it all into action. Baby steps. Or at least horizontal running steps.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well that's a wrap . . . I hope you have a fabulous weekend.</span><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I'm linking up with some fabulous bloggers because it makes life more interesting . . . <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" target="_blank">Andrea</a>, <a href="http://tabanderika.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Erika</a>, <a href="https://graceandloveblog.com/" target="_blank">Narci</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://meetat-thebarre.com/" target="_blank">Amanda</a>!</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-49797019611652999532017-09-22T09:27:00.000-04:002017-09-22T09:27:39.546-04:00Big Canoe Girl's Weekend!<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Bet you thought I disappeared again, huh? Me too. Ha! Nope, I've just been getting it done over here this week. My to do list was obnoxious and stressing me out so I tackled the bulk of it over the past few days. Totally soothes my soul to make a list and mark stuff off of it.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So yay me . . . I got to enjoy another girl's trip with my fabulous mama friends. It was short and sweet for me because I had to come back early, but it was just what I needed. We laughed until we cried, connected and comforted each other about mom stresses and drank LOTS of wine. Oh, and took way too many pictures, thanks to Shelly!&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0E12ZEAVJE/WcMGwx_aS-I/AAAAAAAAFm0/eA7EYwuhJzE5cMn-slWDpWQU1Vz6WSGdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0E12ZEAVJE/WcMGwx_aS-I/AAAAAAAAFm0/eA7EYwuhJzE5cMn-slWDpWQU1Vz6WSGdACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We headed north and decided to stop in Elijay for lunch and antiquing! We enjoyed a delightful little meal at the Cantaberry Cafe and then strolled around town.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aLMN41dA8k/WcMHDhKOY-I/AAAAAAAAFm4/jfUn83e1q_UGUdo08E7vKMmZjfjeD0bpwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2aLMN41dA8k/WcMHDhKOY-I/AAAAAAAAFm4/jfUn83e1q_UGUdo08E7vKMmZjfjeD0bpwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Who can resist a photo op? &nbsp;Not us apparently!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouoqJ7lLdz4/WcMIIe-MdVI/AAAAAAAAFnE/8m7nLuptfjYTOyZqCwH6ZeQeX78VfgVrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouoqJ7lLdz4/WcMIIe-MdVI/AAAAAAAAFnE/8m7nLuptfjYTOyZqCwH6ZeQeX78VfgVrACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3950.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The best part was accidentally&nbsp;finding a wine tasting . . . and the owner of <a href="http://chateaumeichtry.com/" target="_blank">Chateau Meichtry</a> vineyard just happened to be there to say hi!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdIfvY9ZKbw/WcMMDq_NFwI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/-YzEKWym8KIWQHEkg3-JN42aSXLipZ9bQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cheers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdIfvY9ZKbw/WcMMDq_NFwI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/-YzEKWym8KIWQHEkg3-JN42aSXLipZ9bQCLcBGAs/s640/Cheers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Our friend Deb likes to think she invented (and has perfected) the "group photo in a line" technique. Funny enough, it usually works . . . but it's our job to make fun of her every time.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So after strolling in and out of the shops killing time until we could check into our Big Canoe rental cabin, we headed out for what should have been a quick trip . . . emphasis on should. &nbsp;Y'all, it's like we went stupid and couldn't find our way out of a bucket. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Shelly and I finally make it to one of the Big Canoe entrances and are high-fiving ourselves for beating those other fools. We listened to the directions to the house from the security guard and off we go counting the stop signs. We are chatting on the phone with our friend Christy because she had already made it to the house after leaving work . . . back near Atlanta. We keep asking her if it sounds right and she can't remember . . . mostly because it turns out she had gone a different way than us. We roll up to the top of a steep hill only to discover we were literally at the top of the mountain and were clearly off course. &nbsp;Luckily for us there was a cute fireman there who directed us back down the mountain to our house. Gah. What should have taken 30 minutes took about 2 hours. Dumb.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgrhczhfGeU/WcRDsfUWrRI/AAAAAAAAFng/i32ndLLyD606oGV7ykdzNCm6wr4EqajLACLcBGAs/s1600/Big%2BCanoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgrhczhfGeU/WcRDsfUWrRI/AAAAAAAAFng/i32ndLLyD606oGV7ykdzNCm6wr4EqajLACLcBGAs/s640/Big%2BCanoe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Our rental house was adorable, but it was at the bottom of a scary hill. &nbsp;Like so scary nobody wanted to leave the house again . . . well that and because we had no clue how to get out of Big Canoe. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7N3vPiu8F58/WcREg7D8D7I/AAAAAAAAFno/fg_ELdRw08g1vsjSi8JbPdPUgdnqaZuVQCLcBGAs/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7N3vPiu8F58/WcREg7D8D7I/AAAAAAAAFno/fg_ELdRw08g1vsjSi8JbPdPUgdnqaZuVQCLcBGAs/s640/house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">But alas our growling stomachs required us to brave the hills and directions so we headed to a cute restaurant only about half a mile from our house in my swagger wagon!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu_Tpy_oZWg/WcRFH1-D4OI/AAAAAAAAFnw/EL3NIpHyZFAI2xdjEEXkYhInKcXxLVM9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu_Tpy_oZWg/WcRFH1-D4OI/AAAAAAAAFnw/EL3NIpHyZFAI2xdjEEXkYhInKcXxLVM9gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I cannot remember the name of it but it was absolutely delicious . . . like we were all surprised at how tasty it turned out to be! And it had quite the lovely lakeside view . . . perfect for a group photo!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfkVK8ZFyAo/WcRE7Q8SbMI/AAAAAAAAFns/11i9fF1ehcgj0GvirnaAXTZdCm9zylErACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfkVK8ZFyAo/WcRE7Q8SbMI/AAAAAAAAFns/11i9fF1ehcgj0GvirnaAXTZdCm9zylErACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">After stuffing ourselves silly, we headed back to the cabin . . . retracing our steps because it was dark now. And then I had to back my car down the driveway so I could have place to park on what felt like a mountain ledge. I was the DD so it was now time for a serious drink.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUfFz_xai7Q/WcRHdJejfcI/AAAAAAAAFn8/2oZUR-5p-SU3Yj_bbjcI8YijJFn7YbOYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUfFz_xai7Q/WcRHdJejfcI/AAAAAAAAFn8/2oZUR-5p-SU3Yj_bbjcI8YijJFn7YbOYQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And luckily for us, our crafty friend Tina brought us all the most fabulous wine glasses with personalized wine charms attached. How thoughtful was that? Very. That's how thoughtful.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XDLm7TsZEM/WcRIBkAcXcI/AAAAAAAAFoE/SqrWofrah3c2Y9k5TlOcXVRwCdqNhoU6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XDLm7TsZEM/WcRIBkAcXcI/AAAAAAAAFoE/SqrWofrah3c2Y9k5TlOcXVRwCdqNhoU6gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of thoughtful, my friend Deb needed her toes painted and believe it or not, I volunteered to do it . . . everyone else was running in the other direction. &nbsp;And I was the sober one . . . lol.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8rvvCX1dI8/WcTpkSvGhNI/AAAAAAAAFoU/fCjY7MMu8hQpezYu4knL3h_Pnsh2AshngCLcBGAs/s1600/singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8rvvCX1dI8/WcTpkSvGhNI/AAAAAAAAFoU/fCjY7MMu8hQpezYu4knL3h_Pnsh2AshngCLcBGAs/s640/singing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">But not for too long because poker, drinks, tasty snacks and some 70's sing-a-long music will make life better! Clearly I have no shame. And neither do Deb and Tina . . . that's why I love them so!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyNSlfb3_6I/WcTq6M3N4iI/AAAAAAAAFog/55ZeTrTdCUs49WZobH62ASreuAhoWC3MACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyNSlfb3_6I/WcTq6M3N4iI/AAAAAAAAFog/55ZeTrTdCUs49WZobH62ASreuAhoWC3MACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Up and at it Friday morning . . . because this was wine tour day!!! Woot. Being the super responsible mamas that we are, we hired a driver for the day to cart us around to four different north Georgia vineyards. I know that's a super blurry van photo, but it was so twisty and turny that we couldn't get a steady picture.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwySYn_zu30/WcTsHvq-02I/AAAAAAAAFos/53j8_IkytzYTD1XB_nGDe122xqY6G7tSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwySYn_zu30/WcTsHvq-02I/AAAAAAAAFos/53j8_IkytzYTD1XB_nGDe122xqY6G7tSgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">First stop was <a href="http://www.montaluce.com/" target="_blank">Monteluce Vineyards</a> . . . this place is huge and lovely. It looks like you're rolling up on an Italian villa when you first drive into the place . . . grapevines everywhere.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvhfGLY7GMQ/WcTtNINdbpI/AAAAAAAAFo4/OV-CCRzY7z4-7El9yqL0kMaYccMBHmHkgCLcBGAs/s1600/Monteluce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvhfGLY7GMQ/WcTtNINdbpI/AAAAAAAAFo4/OV-CCRzY7z4-7El9yqL0kMaYccMBHmHkgCLcBGAs/s640/Monteluce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">These folks were generous with their tasting pours . . . thank goodness for our lovely driver Anna. However, they were not very generous with their wine costs . . . Tina liked one that was $59 a bottle . . . uh, pass. But yay for fun photo opportunities!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ehyzNppbpo/WcTtwGgefGI/AAAAAAAAFpA/H_KL7OtKaks-wayVuvKfFA0hGKhFj64VwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ehyzNppbpo/WcTtwGgefGI/AAAAAAAAFpA/H_KL7OtKaks-wayVuvKfFA0hGKhFj64VwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3880.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Sorry Tina . . . it was the best photo of the bunch. &nbsp;And of course we had to do the "line" photo . . . our genius way to make sure everyone is included in the selfie and not have to bug the other customers.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yobh8YjCuY/WcTudpgqWqI/AAAAAAAAFpI/N8XpFmYZweMdIBM3VmzK-6LfOZLTh5yZwCLcBGAs/s1600/line%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1184" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yobh8YjCuY/WcTudpgqWqI/AAAAAAAAFpI/N8XpFmYZweMdIBM3VmzK-6LfOZLTh5yZwCLcBGAs/s640/line%2Bphoto.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Next up was our lunch reservation at <a href="http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Wolf Mountain Vineyards</a> . . . very delicious . . . and more amazing views.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSMNzW11Gxg/WcTxL2u_cKI/AAAAAAAAFpY/Ilz2JyqPrAMIsBAT-4KHpdH--dZs4L-4gCLcBGAs/s1600/wolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1559" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSMNzW11Gxg/WcTxL2u_cKI/AAAAAAAAFpY/Ilz2JyqPrAMIsBAT-4KHpdH--dZs4L-4gCLcBGAs/s640/wolf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We didn't get a chance to do a tasting here because we were on a time line, but we all enjoyed a little something with lunch. Cheers.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGnrzsGvyrE/WcTxbaLWM-I/AAAAAAAAFpc/DQZYg1Qf9yg-Tb0dJc4K0YhlTltYQ-CwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGnrzsGvyrE/WcTxbaLWM-I/AAAAAAAAFpc/DQZYg1Qf9yg-Tb0dJc4K0YhlTltYQ-CwACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3991.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Now, off to <a href="http://www.kayavineyards.com/" target="_blank">Kaya Vineyards</a> . . . and wow, this one was stunning with it's rolling hills.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qg26ajkrWcM/WcTx76NRunI/AAAAAAAAFpk/xCHAYeg-5vwJRFCSYfmi80lizlWUXD_rgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qg26ajkrWcM/WcTx76NRunI/AAAAAAAAFpk/xCHAYeg-5vwJRFCSYfmi80lizlWUXD_rgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We finally all agreed to stop for a photo op at the entrance sign because we never seemed to get it done on the way out.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhfgdr7vW08/WcT1FgRGIZI/AAAAAAAAFpw/v8_YxOTtRzwK3nCHGb0y8so5vyINi-uzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhfgdr7vW08/WcT1FgRGIZI/AAAAAAAAFpw/v8_YxOTtRzwK3nCHGb0y8so5vyINi-uzgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3878.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Our cute little waitress was super sweet and fast on the pouring so we got back on schedule . . . well we used our time to take a ridiculous amount of photos. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eyYX4SHxpw/WcT8sgmgcGI/AAAAAAAAFqI/ZUv34zcgceQFvPEzjgeB7xm_Pz-WqxGKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Kaya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1428" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eyYX4SHxpw/WcT8sgmgcGI/AAAAAAAAFqI/ZUv34zcgceQFvPEzjgeB7xm_Pz-WqxGKgCLcBGAs/s640/Kaya.jpg" width="570" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I've spared you from most of them . . . but holy gorgeous, right? And the backdrop isn't bad either. I crack myself up.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UI9ctiJhb_0/WcT7_xdRfWI/AAAAAAAAFqA/l6lQ3Ks9vLA-2f_Lm6hyW58OI3GnOVOggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UI9ctiJhb_0/WcT7_xdRfWI/AAAAAAAAFqA/l6lQ3Ks9vLA-2f_Lm6hyW58OI3GnOVOggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And you know it . . . we're making the line photo famous . . . or infamous.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0YqUN2E2nM/WcT81VipDII/AAAAAAAAFqM/b35RStqgkx4Fzj4YrvBfOTPPujaq2221wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0YqUN2E2nM/WcT81VipDII/AAAAAAAAFqM/b35RStqgkx4Fzj4YrvBfOTPPujaq2221wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3946.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Last stop of the day . . . <a href="http://www.cottagevineyardwinery.com/" target="_blank">The Cottage Vineyard</a> . . . and the last sign photo.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3auH6T59pQ/WcT9vh6VCXI/AAAAAAAAFqY/dofsh4DvIjoNJCvsHAGmi4j8Ivdxyr5KQCLcBGAs/s1600/found%2Bcottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3auH6T59pQ/WcT9vh6VCXI/AAAAAAAAFqY/dofsh4DvIjoNJCvsHAGmi4j8Ivdxyr5KQCLcBGAs/s640/found%2Bcottage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">At this point, we were all tired . . . I mean drinking and chatting and wine touring is exhausting.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fCSdpN-_Ac/WcT-SJkji6I/AAAAAAAAFqg/l4-XHgTo09sRsayIJX8ZsL3OoxJnf8gzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fCSdpN-_Ac/WcT-SJkji6I/AAAAAAAAFqg/l4-XHgTo09sRsayIJX8ZsL3OoxJnf8gzwCLcBGAs/s640/Tired.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We ordered food on the way home and had the driver stop to let us pick it up so we didn't have to leave the house that night . . . genius idea.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwoIcMjSoZg/WcT-6WlK2sI/AAAAAAAAFqo/bveKKT-Qj24h9Q5VQn1OBv4ivR2oPLW9gCLcBGAs/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwoIcMjSoZg/WcT-6WlK2sI/AAAAAAAAFqo/bveKKT-Qj24h9Q5VQn1OBv4ivR2oPLW9gCLcBGAs/s640/wine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">After chilling out for a bit . . . we played our nightly poker and took one last group photo because Christy and I had to take off the next day. It was a comedy of fools trying to get that photo taken with a timer . . . and perhaps we should have done it earlier since we were all ready for bed at this point . . . can you tell?</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So here's my advice to you . . . find a tribe. &nbsp;Women need each other . . . husbands are amazing, but they are dudes. &nbsp;Dudes just don't always get it. Lift other women up . . . be a light. And take a second to read through these . . . and make sure you are one of the women doing the lifting.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swqwk9eIQdI/WcUA5GR8VSI/AAAAAAAAFq4/z1XN6YTBIXAENlJlJ3MQ8RQ3ZqYTk18pgCLcBGAs/s1600/Strong%2Bwomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swqwk9eIQdI/WcUA5GR8VSI/AAAAAAAAFq4/z1XN6YTBIXAENlJlJ3MQ8RQ3ZqYTk18pgCLcBGAs/s640/Strong%2Bwomen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And cheers to the freaking weekend . . . and fall break for us Georgia peaches! No school next week so it's off to the beach! Catch you on the flip side!</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-65834330129957880282017-09-14T06:39:00.000-04:002017-09-14T06:39:57.743-04:00Stone Mountain Girls' Weekend<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Oh how I love a getaway with my friends! I absolutely love Getzy and the kids, but sometimes us moms need to just step away from the day to day and shake things up a bit with some girl time. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I was invited to play poker a few years back with a group of fabulous ladies. Like seriously some of the best women you could have in your life. They are sarcastic, open, easy and above all . . . kind. These are the type of women that celebrate your wins and share in your losses. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We leave for our annual girls' trip today so I thought I would throw it back to last year and recap our adventures in 2016. Strolling down memory lane has gotten me even more excited for this year!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Of course I knew I'd have a great time because of the company, but I wasn't thrilled about last year's location . . . <a href="http://www.stonemountainpark.com/" target="_blank">Stone Mountain</a> outside of Atlanta. I wasn't doing the planning so I also wasn't doing the complaining . . . believe it or not, I can&nbsp;occasionally&nbsp;just go with the flow. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">In the end, the location proved to be genius for a variety of reasons. First, it wasn't too far from home so when one friend had to come late because of kid obligations, easy enough. When another friend had to leave for a funeral in Augusta, she was able to return and finish the weekend with friends. When Getzy so rudely booked his work trip to leave on Saturday instead of Sunday, I was able to get home easily and not have to miss the whole trip. He was heading overseas so I&nbsp;begrudgingly&nbsp;understood his need to cut my trip short . . . oh, and his job pays the bills so I guess there's that too! </span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">But the main reason it was a great location was because there was so much to do without ever leaving the park! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Let's back up to our adventures on the way there though! Our friend Christy suggested we try this place called <a href="http://treatyourfeetatl.com/" target="_blank">Treat Your Feet</a> . . . a 60 minute foot massage was $30. I thought she had her math wrong but just went with it!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">You guys . . . it was awesome! We were all together in one big room, each in a cozy recliner. They dimmed the lights and spa music was playing. All of the massage therapists came in at once and got started. It was like a reflexology massage . . . pressure points and all. About half way through they all left together and then returned with hot stones and rubber mallets. Hey now. They used the stones to rub our legs and the mallets to whack them . . . never had that before, but I'd do it again . . . get your freak on!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Then towards the end they ask us to turn around . . . like put your feet where your head was and your head goes on the ottoman at the bottom of the chair. Then they do a pressure point massage on your face and head and a serious arm stretch. Then just like that it was over. It was divine. They worked us over for sure . . . Lynn thinks the mallets should come first since they were not as relaxing and then the leg rubs. She has a point for sure! But I liked it all! And you can't beat it for $30 bucks! &nbsp;No pics because the lighting was weird.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">We left there ready for lunch. We were apparently having an Asian themed day so we made our way to a delicious Thai restaurant.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cp45G_WMWWw/WblqIFZQpAI/AAAAAAAAFkk/vq3zdOqcJhsFpex9Jl21ALnU-D-QygdPgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cp45G_WMWWw/WblqIFZQpAI/AAAAAAAAFkk/vq3zdOqcJhsFpex9Jl21ALnU-D-QygdPgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I love me some Thai food . . . not too spicy though. Most of the time I'm super boring and order the same thing . . . Massaman Curry. Yum.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xftEcJdNSbw/WblrFivWm5I/AAAAAAAAFks/TqkXHRSff68noigxDRuubeO03n3oynVRgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xftEcJdNSbw/WblrFivWm5I/AAAAAAAAFks/TqkXHRSff68noigxDRuubeO03n3oynVRgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Then we headed to an Asian bakery but opted for the Thai rolled ice cream instead. It was good but not worth the price, in my opinion. But it was sure cool to watch them make it.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4X93PZ20mQ/WblvI773TWI/AAAAAAAAFk4/K4kYmCLtvoE8PnpaDoLUOvt70ACTH-InACLcBGAs/s1600/Thai%2Bice%2Bcream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4X93PZ20mQ/WblvI773TWI/AAAAAAAAFk4/K4kYmCLtvoE8PnpaDoLUOvt70ACTH-InACLcBGAs/s640/Thai%2Bice%2Bcream.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Off to the Asian market next . . . we were just killing time until we could check in to our hotel. This place was fascinating. The diversity of the food was just amazing . . . like do people really eat this stuff?!? Why yes, yes they do!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jUiA9w7HBY/WbnMByVhYLI/AAAAAAAAFlI/Bc4-_H2PAh4jV09TuXmJXQKt-7tm_wjBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Asian%2Bmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jUiA9w7HBY/WbnMByVhYLI/AAAAAAAAFlI/Bc4-_H2PAh4jV09TuXmJXQKt-7tm_wjBQCLcBGAs/s640/Asian%2Bmarket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Finally, time to head to Stone Mountain Park! We were staying at the Inn right in the park. It was a bit old and dated but the rooms were huge. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX-MrzcyhWU/WbnNn2UwxII/AAAAAAAAFlU/maYlmWetCVsxisYLMeAdD0mHFS-KAJeVACLcBGAs/s1600/Stone%2BMtn%2BInn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX-MrzcyhWU/WbnNn2UwxII/AAAAAAAAFlU/maYlmWetCVsxisYLMeAdD0mHFS-KAJeVACLcBGAs/s640/Stone%2BMtn%2BInn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We were all ready for dinner . . . except one! Here we are waiting (im)patiently in the car for her!&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjX3EzclRWE/WbnOCIqPTQI/AAAAAAAAFlY/xAvwojzhr1IteyysbfNKkix2n0BY2312wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjX3EzclRWE/WbnOCIqPTQI/AAAAAAAAFlY/xAvwojzhr1IteyysbfNKkix2n0BY2312wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">On Friday we got to enjoy the 48th annual Yellow Daisy Festival! I've been for several years and just love it. &nbsp;It's a craft fair with some antiques and food stuffs thrown in for good measure. It's always so stinking hot but totally worth it!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLV-EdSc-g8/WbnOn_xg9lI/AAAAAAAAFlg/Zzpdf1qhvzUYFmVS9m32VQIwmaA5XexEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLV-EdSc-g8/WbnOn_xg9lI/AAAAAAAAFlg/Zzpdf1qhvzUYFmVS9m32VQIwmaA5XexEgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1586.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">After that we chilled out in the rooms . . . ate snacks, drank wine and played poker . . . as poker ladies do! Then it was time to clean up and head out to dinner!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtVCheH0aY/WbnO8O3Wq6I/AAAAAAAAFlk/A559T0gDPugqeZ42pvRlGLLjKvSZ15lEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bMtVCheH0aY/WbnO8O3Wq6I/AAAAAAAAFlk/A559T0gDPugqeZ42pvRlGLLjKvSZ15lEQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And here we are waiting on that special someone again!&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNVCmYrmkGU/WbnPJj2OYbI/AAAAAAAAFlo/WqugHR1Dr-kgEBVy8T7hR50BcsXRUY88QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNVCmYrmkGU/WbnPJj2OYbI/AAAAAAAAFlo/WqugHR1Dr-kgEBVy8T7hR50BcsXRUY88QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We ate at a restaurant right in the park . . . it was nice and didn't have to go too far! And we always have time to stop for a photo op!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-OJXoDYVTQ/WbnQSfZ8QlI/AAAAAAAAFl0/qug5FxQEwoYK8poPla9thF0E2_0fmdpSQCLcBGAs/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-OJXoDYVTQ/WbnQSfZ8QlI/AAAAAAAAFl0/qug5FxQEwoYK8poPla9thF0E2_0fmdpSQCLcBGAs/s640/girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">More poker. More wine. More snacks. And of course I was the DJ . . . it's my jam! Geez, that makes me sound old.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I tried something new on Saturday though . . . so nah, I'm not old. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GMx9GOF5Mo/WbnRKHFdD3I/AAAAAAAAFl8/W-UE7u0dYwgSEBGkP8AVRfSYEut8iO73ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GMx9GOF5Mo/WbnRKHFdD3I/AAAAAAAAFl8/W-UE7u0dYwgSEBGkP8AVRfSYEut8iO73ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1629.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It was so fun. Way better than I thought. I was kind of freaked out about falling when I first started but then once you get it, you get it. We were all so proud of ourselves . . . as you can tell by all the pictures!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpndE8fKXu8/WbnSUWA5QeI/AAAAAAAAFmI/UcqUoJVbCSgSTU06DQbtt9dj_if7h1ehACLcBGAs/s1600/segway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpndE8fKXu8/WbnSUWA5QeI/AAAAAAAAFmI/UcqUoJVbCSgSTU06DQbtt9dj_if7h1ehACLcBGAs/s640/segway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And we zipped all around Stone Mountain Park. I really think it would be awesome to always tour like this . . . you can cover so much ground!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESsYjpkpZdU/WbnSzEbTvhI/AAAAAAAAFmM/wpHtpsx48Ls2G8GkOTD5bqXulUIPp0C0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ESsYjpkpZdU/WbnSzEbTvhI/AAAAAAAAFmM/wpHtpsx48Ls2G8GkOTD5bqXulUIPp0C0wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1617.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Here we are at the best picture spot in the park!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KE7t3vgDaqs/WbnS7_-otpI/AAAAAAAAFmU/77rgksMS7jM6zYgKQ52cVw2C6vXsKqAMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KE7t3vgDaqs/WbnS7_-otpI/AAAAAAAAFmU/77rgksMS7jM6zYgKQ52cVw2C6vXsKqAMwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And of course, a picture with the best tour guides! We would totally recommend the Segway Tours at Stone Mountain.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ioYS02Lh04/WbnUStYFsbI/AAAAAAAAFmg/rjWQQJ8w_e4mTKDfcZphN3SnqAS31sL4QCLcBGAs/s1600/Friendship-Memory-Quotes-058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="582" height="305" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ioYS02Lh04/WbnUStYFsbI/AAAAAAAAFmg/rjWQQJ8w_e4mTKDfcZphN3SnqAS31sL4QCLcBGAs/s320/Friendship-Memory-Quotes-058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And after that . . . boo, hiss. I left early to head home . . . but while I'm always ready to go, I'm more than ready to get home. I'm so excited for this year . . . we aren't going too far, but we have some fun adventures planned! I'll tell you about it next week!</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-3569929294856005522017-09-12T11:07:00.000-04:002017-09-12T11:11:01.870-04:00Because mama wants me to!<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I always want to make my mama happy . . . I don't think that will ever go away. She has been so good to me. I know, she's my mom and isn't that what mom's do? Well yes, but I swear my mom has given more of herself than most . . . she made sure I had the things I wanted, not just needed . . . never made me feel guilty for my choices (I mean the good ones, like moving away . . . she will give me the business for bad ones, as she should) . . . and is an amazing Granny to my children.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ArPRqtPDsE/WbfTXro9DVI/AAAAAAAAFg8/87H5Tgzcc9IbUgWKLpIKYFkwj2HeTRlOQCLcBGAs/s1600/Mama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ArPRqtPDsE/WbfTXro9DVI/AAAAAAAAFg8/87H5Tgzcc9IbUgWKLpIKYFkwj2HeTRlOQCLcBGAs/s640/Mama.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Back to making her happy . . . since she now has a new computer and WiFi&nbsp;(finally) at her house, she says she would like me to blog more often so she can keep up with our family. Y'all, she prints my blog posts. Prints them. She says so she will always have them . . . I guess like in case the Internet breaks. Isn't that the sweetest thing?</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So I am going to try to give updates more than twice a year so my mom has something to print. Winky face. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">A new development in my life that makes updating my blog a bit more tricky (besides my general laziness) is the fact that I accidentally&nbsp;got myself a part-time job. I know, I'm as surprised as you are!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Our financial adviser&nbsp;called me one summer day as I was cleaning out my pantry and offered me a dream opportunity. He asked me if I would like to do personal finance for some of his clients. So I get to work from home, basically do the same thing I do for our family finances (pay their bills, enter their monthly expenses in QuickBooks, reconcile their accounts, etc.) AND get paid? Hold on, let me think about it. YES!!!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So I immediately went shopping for back to work clothes . . . so I could look good working from home. &nbsp;You gotta dress the part, am I right?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nKe7gNpeoc/WbfY-zEv1sI/AAAAAAAAFhM/db6T_31ui-IFkRo6El8jkUlur6BN5WzcACLcBGAs/s1600/work%2Bduds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nKe7gNpeoc/WbfY-zEv1sI/AAAAAAAAFhM/db6T_31ui-IFkRo6El8jkUlur6BN5WzcACLcBGAs/s640/work%2Bduds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, technically I get to go to client meetings on occasion so I felt justified in a few new things . . . as well as a new purse, wallet and shoes because duh, opportunity knocked.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The kids went back to school . . . on the last day of July. &nbsp;For reals. &nbsp;But we get some awesome week breaks throughout the year so I'm not complaining. &nbsp;Now they were, but whatevs. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_OJe87Lk8/WbfaSdMB9_I/AAAAAAAAFhY/PmpfTEfmkdg9R5Y6_mpy4qqPDxRA-jmVwCLcBGAs/s1600/first%2Bday%2Bof%2Bschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_OJe87Lk8/WbfaSdMB9_I/AAAAAAAAFhY/PmpfTEfmkdg9R5Y6_mpy4qqPDxRA-jmVwCLcBGAs/s640/first%2Bday%2Bof%2Bschool.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I have two in high school and one in middle. Like whoa. That's all I have to say about that.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Let's see, what else has been going on lately?</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We all watched the eclipse together as a family on August 21st. We were like 97% totality here in Atlanta. Loads of folks headed to the north Georgia mountains, but we didn't want to fight the crowds. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GigTd-nWuD8/WbfdTkvzzkI/AAAAAAAAFhk/O-N231SPMv4PfANCq9KoG3o_pFX7QN6kwCLcBGAs/s1600/eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GigTd-nWuD8/WbfdTkvzzkI/AAAAAAAAFhk/O-N231SPMv4PfANCq9KoG3o_pFX7QN6kwCLcBGAs/s640/eclipse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Truth be told, I was a bit disappointed that it didn't get very dark for being so close to totality. Apparently those couple of percentage points make a big difference. I did let the kids skip school that day because it was a excused absence . . . and made them sit outside&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">with me</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">to watch "the show." Good ole family bonding time. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My Kyle has completed his Eagle project. Phew. Although the paperwork is a whole project in and of itself, the physical labor is at least over.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdcK8Wu-LWk/WbffkYNwjqI/AAAAAAAAFhw/h3cL0IJPQ5wwcuGpaouwqXjbxfiFo35qACLcBGAs/s1600/Eagle%2Bproject.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdcK8Wu-LWk/WbffkYNwjqI/AAAAAAAAFhw/h3cL0IJPQ5wwcuGpaouwqXjbxfiFo35qACLcBGAs/s640/Eagle%2Bproject.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He, and his amazing friends and fellow scouts, built a fenced in garden in the middle school courtyard. It turned out to be way more work than we thought, but totally worth it and looks amazing. So proud of Kyle.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And I just love that those three boys pictured above have been friends since 2nd grade . . . and they are high school freshman now. They are also all playing lacrosse together. It makes my mama heart happy knowing Kyle has great friends who stick by him and help out when needed. Kudos boys!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of Eagle scouts, this fellow just celebrate his Eagle Scout Court of Honor recently. I don't do anything half way so I felt like I was back planning my wedding. &nbsp;Ha! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXlqhJl8208/WbfpdGrL8dI/AAAAAAAAFi0/uANQx1tjjIs-YwjqWvB8bd5ubKHNpMFaQCLcBGAs/s1600/my%2Bryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXlqhJl8208/WbfpdGrL8dI/AAAAAAAAFi0/uANQx1tjjIs-YwjqWvB8bd5ubKHNpMFaQCLcBGAs/s640/my%2Bryan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My brother and his wife flew into town to help us celebrate, and my mom drove in from Virginia as well. Not only was it awesome to have them for a visit, they worked hard to help me get this event prepped and set up!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvQWdUolH-o/Wbfi7V8v_ZI/AAAAAAAAFiA/ctlnekgj_g0eYMe-GIbimq-XRdbOsv0MACLcBGAs/s1600/21686901_10214444597054605_3990194050978396677_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mvQWdUolH-o/Wbfi7V8v_ZI/AAAAAAAAFiA/ctlnekgj_g0eYMe-GIbimq-XRdbOsv0MACLcBGAs/s640/21686901_10214444597054605_3990194050978396677_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Everything went great . . . so thankful for all the friends and fellow scouts who came out to support Ryan. And the clubhouse looked amazing and very patriotic!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PEa85DT8Cw/WbfkibsUzTI/AAAAAAAAFiM/UjZ3kulLCywzNzU5vrOIjpNThbINfF64gCLcBGAs/s1600/Eagle%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PEa85DT8Cw/WbfkibsUzTI/AAAAAAAAFiM/UjZ3kulLCywzNzU5vrOIjpNThbINfF64gCLcBGAs/s640/Eagle%2Bcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Getzy prepared a slide show from Ryan's past 9 years of scouting . . . it was so sweet to see those old pictures of Ryan and his friends. I mean, look at this sweet face.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sj_lEWQfZI/Wbfl-lTAoJI/AAAAAAAAFiY/OGweW4XEVssX3z_qcW5nKRU8yhizvaIiACLcBGAs/s1600/Ryan%2Bas%2BCub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1077" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_sj_lEWQfZI/Wbfl-lTAoJI/AAAAAAAAFiY/OGweW4XEVssX3z_qcW5nKRU8yhizvaIiACLcBGAs/s640/Ryan%2Bas%2BCub.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And a touching, albeit rather sad, story about this Eagle picture . . . I made my mama cry.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z_unZYZTR0/Wbfol4EQG3I/AAAAAAAAFis/YgqLcpXKeP8qa9-DJ4I1rA-Z_Q55phcuACLcBGAs/s1600/RW%2Beagle%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z_unZYZTR0/Wbfol4EQG3I/AAAAAAAAFis/YgqLcpXKeP8qa9-DJ4I1rA-Z_Q55phcuACLcBGAs/s640/RW%2Beagle%2Bcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">As I've mentioned before, my brother, who was just 21 months older than me, died in a car accident at age 19. He was an amazing artist and took art classes as a teenager. Mom framed several of his prints. She asked me if I wanted the eagle, and I took it in hopes of having an Eagle Scout one day so I could display it at their court of honor. Well, as you can see, that worked out. It made it feel like he was there celebrating with us. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And one more brag on Ryan . . . that kid is fast. He's running high school cross country and getting it done this year. He just ran a 5k in 20 minutes flat. Rock on kid.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdSEtU1LeDI/WbfqX1j7XzI/AAAAAAAAFi8/AsgiTo0EmhAguKJid5BnHvB7QIaFBasBwCLcBGAs/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="268" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdSEtU1LeDI/WbfqX1j7XzI/AAAAAAAAFi8/AsgiTo0EmhAguKJid5BnHvB7QIaFBasBwCLcBGAs/s640/running.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He takes after his daddy who was also a cross country rock star back in his day! &nbsp;Oh, my heart is going pitter patter.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6aMfMAQwh0/WbfrLHsbszI/AAAAAAAAFjI/ZG8NGMHWnVkYT3VfIIlGAv4rWomoPCa3ACLcBGAs/s1600/my%2Bboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="930" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6aMfMAQwh0/WbfrLHsbszI/AAAAAAAAFjI/ZG8NGMHWnVkYT3VfIIlGAv4rWomoPCa3ACLcBGAs/s640/my%2Bboys.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My little princess has decided to do horseback riding again! I actually love that she enjoys this and feel like being at the barn is a great learning experience for her. She is rotating horses so they can learn to work with several different personalities . . . here she is on the very handsome Tennessee Whiskey!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgJ2DxepeZM/WbfsNj6wl2I/AAAAAAAAFjU/mZ0fidpU-e8HtkBMRLLfL07okNJ69RmJACLcBGAs/s1600/A%2Briding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgJ2DxepeZM/WbfsNj6wl2I/AAAAAAAAFjU/mZ0fidpU-e8HtkBMRLLfL07okNJ69RmJACLcBGAs/s640/A%2Briding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My niece came to visit us from out of town over Labor Day weekend and brought her very sweet doggie Chance. It was lovely to get the opportunity to just hang out, shop and enjoy a glass of wine together, now that she is of age.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CZfY5kbHVA/Wbft7TDdO-I/AAAAAAAAFjg/m2huuVayTnUw8Kse7PISvNs7G06V-HOVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Jackie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7CZfY5kbHVA/Wbft7TDdO-I/AAAAAAAAFjg/m2huuVayTnUw8Kse7PISvNs7G06V-HOVgCLcBGAs/s640/Jackie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I'm also super excited for her because she applied to her local college while she was here, hoping to start in January. She is such an amazing girl, her independence&nbsp;and strength of character makes me proud. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--byq7aRapjk/Wbf2NZSTMJI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/cbqrOu5eiFI2td0jaHWiemo1RZMPv5b_gCLcBGAs/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--byq7aRapjk/Wbf2NZSTMJI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/cbqrOu5eiFI2td0jaHWiemo1RZMPv5b_gCLcBGAs/s640/friends.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Cheers to having amazing friends to do life with . . . I am blessed to surround&nbsp;myself with the incredible women. They make me laugh, support me when the crazy takes over and help make life better. And we do lots of fun stuff together, so there's that too!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAE-yr3rpB4/Wbfx01f9-eI/AAAAAAAAFj4/jEmC1XJoIEIfCoC78CKHdnjMTVdl34-OgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wAE-yr3rpB4/Wbfx01f9-eI/AAAAAAAAFj4/jEmC1XJoIEIfCoC78CKHdnjMTVdl34-OgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3781.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And finally, my dogs. &nbsp;Abby punked me recently by crying when I touched her belly so I rushed her off to the vet for blood work and X-rays for them to say nothing was wrong. &nbsp;She's lucky she's so pretty. &nbsp;Gah.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJxJ3Wae2Ks/WbfzlSrQEVI/AAAAAAAAFkE/hDU4S6Oa8BUdGmHjHFh81VPH37QwAZSdwCLcBGAs/s1600/zeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJxJ3Wae2Ks/WbfzlSrQEVI/AAAAAAAAFkE/hDU4S6Oa8BUdGmHjHFh81VPH37QwAZSdwCLcBGAs/s640/zeus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And this fool. &nbsp;He is currently working with a Cesar Milan (<a href="https://www.cesarsway.com/" target="_blank">The Dog Whisperer</a>) trained dog psychologist because he's legit nuts. He loves us big. Huge. But not anyone else. So frustrating.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, that was a hot random mess. Hope you enjoyed the update mama!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Let me close with saying that I'm lifting up all those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma in prayer. (Yes poker ladies, I really said a prayer just as I typed this.) We have some very close friends and family who stayed put during Irma and are thankfully safe and sound, albeit without power right now. And it goes without saying that I had a heavy heart yesterday on the anniversary of 9/11 . . . of course we won't forget . . . life changed forever that day.</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-87935892785075805282017-04-14T10:55:00.000-04:002017-04-14T10:55:14.257-04:00Friday Things . . . Easter Decorations!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's Good Friday . . . and everyone said amen! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EisMOfEeZE/WPDQwrmGjoI/AAAAAAAAFfg/hOoxvnTueYIbdFtqne-4kRNs8Bw9lV99QCLcB/s1600/ZelhXG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5EisMOfEeZE/WPDQwrmGjoI/AAAAAAAAFfg/hOoxvnTueYIbdFtqne-4kRNs8Bw9lV99QCLcB/s640/ZelhXG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to the Easter service at church, baking a ham (even though Getzy would rather have anything but that), and watching the kids get excited about Easter morning. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I thought it'd be fun to share my favorite Easter decorations for my favorites this Friday! &nbsp;I love to decorate for the holidays and hope my kids will have fond memories of me overdoing it when they are adults. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Apparently I thought it was time to upgrade because when I got the box of decorations out, it was rather slim pickings. &nbsp;Don't fret, I shopped for some cute new lambs, bunnies and chicks! &nbsp;Here we go . . .</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTeN9Xczu9Y/WPDVRRBteuI/AAAAAAAAFfk/opamUajXyOY1uE6dlRXv3n-2kgR4Se84gCLcB/s1600/IMG_7720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTeN9Xczu9Y/WPDVRRBteuI/AAAAAAAAFfk/opamUajXyOY1uE6dlRXv3n-2kgR4Se84gCLcB/s640/IMG_7720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stop it . . . are these not the cutest little burlap bunnies? &nbsp;They sit in the kitchen window and empathize&nbsp;with me as I do the dishes.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHnp4Xkk8uA/WPDV_A_3H6I/AAAAAAAAFfo/Xrxsef4rmkATv7ZEotBliiVEPkNuiqQzwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHnp4Xkk8uA/WPDV_A_3H6I/AAAAAAAAFfo/Xrxsef4rmkATv7ZEotBliiVEPkNuiqQzwCLcB/s640/IMG_7722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Look, it's a mama and a baby. &nbsp;How come no one ever says it's a daddy and a baby? &nbsp;Speaking of babies, that's our engagement photo in the background . . . I calculate that was 19 years ago. &nbsp;Geez, we are old.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Efza220TC-E/WPDWyAtHNpI/AAAAAAAAFfs/MkzbEAkMpBkPshm9ewBAIsdldChpF109QCLcB/s1600/IMG_7721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Efza220TC-E/WPDWyAtHNpI/AAAAAAAAFfs/MkzbEAkMpBkPshm9ewBAIsdldChpF109QCLcB/s640/IMG_7721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">My mama said I needed some chicks in my Easter decor because that's what she remembers about Easter when she was a little girl in the 1940's. &nbsp;She has vivid memories of walking by the drug store window and seeing live chicks dyed bright colors (pink, blue or green). &nbsp;Her mother would buy her one every year, and she would take it home in a cardboard box. &nbsp;She said they would put it in the backyard, and it would be there a few weeks before it died (gasp!) or magically disappeared (her parents gave it away). &nbsp;Can you just imagine? &nbsp;Oh, how times have changed. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEKsbhgsczY/WPDaKySVuGI/AAAAAAAAFfw/KJZlEm0efYAurnjPHyFbdjDprLQLAdC2QCLcB/s1600/IMG_7724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEKsbhgsczY/WPDaKySVuGI/AAAAAAAAFfw/KJZlEm0efYAurnjPHyFbdjDprLQLAdC2QCLcB/s640/IMG_7724.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">This is the foyer . . . one of my most favorite spots in the house. &nbsp;I just think it's so welcoming and cozy. &nbsp;It was also the first area I decorated in the redo, and I was so proud of myself! &nbsp;I've spruced it up a bit for Easter!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKrVjmCLbUA/WPDa7S3vZTI/AAAAAAAAFf0/Bq2pBcNfIxgXwjuV6FTTWjEs4yg0tUVugCLcB/s1600/IMG_7734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKrVjmCLbUA/WPDa7S3vZTI/AAAAAAAAFf0/Bq2pBcNfIxgXwjuV6FTTWjEs4yg0tUVugCLcB/s640/IMG_7734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I just love lambs because they make me think of my Kyle . . . his "lovies" from when his was little are two identical lambs. &nbsp;Now everybody say "awww!"</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ApaX9QHhI/WPDidLU0dYI/AAAAAAAAFgM/AEW5uWp5SfothHi8y8uXLeIR90ZoYCuSACLcB/s1600/k%2Band%2Blambs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ApaX9QHhI/WPDidLU0dYI/AAAAAAAAFgM/AEW5uWp5SfothHi8y8uXLeIR90ZoYCuSACLcB/s640/k%2Band%2Blambs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">It really does make my heart go all melty when I think about lambs and Jesus being the lamb of God . . . what a beautiful association. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpIGhrK7RDs/WPDbgdRXprI/AAAAAAAAFf4/UFuFShenlrgb563q1b-aJ_H4AN72mZeKQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpIGhrK7RDs/WPDbgdRXprI/AAAAAAAAFf4/UFuFShenlrgb563q1b-aJ_H4AN72mZeKQCLcB/s640/IMG_7726.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Easter is the perfect time to show off our lamb collection, and we have acquired a lot over the years.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQR7EA3JSjU/WPDbvjrHytI/AAAAAAAAFf8/R4H5y2K11yA1ldORmbJaxFB8tHLOAlkVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQR7EA3JSjU/WPDbvjrHytI/AAAAAAAAFf8/R4H5y2K11yA1ldORmbJaxFB8tHLOAlkVQCLcB/s640/IMG_7727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">But who can resist a cotton tail? &nbsp;Or a snow (glitter) globe? &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IfWGDjEoq74/WPDb87XrU8I/AAAAAAAAFgA/TpKeK0h3GAUiFC6gR2Rt9gE75kAAnmOMQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IfWGDjEoq74/WPDb87XrU8I/AAAAAAAAFgA/TpKeK0h3GAUiFC6gR2Rt9gE75kAAnmOMQCLcB/s640/IMG_7728.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">This one plays the Easter parade song which makes me happy, especially since Zeus ripped the guts out of another bunny I had that played that song. &nbsp;Is it me, or do those bunnies look kinda creepy now that I've gotten a close up of them?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t73zQ0cW-H0/WPDeFqrgk3I/AAAAAAAAFgE/lx8hFMqBsEs9lEciW-wP61BOlYkqAhATgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t73zQ0cW-H0/WPDeFqrgk3I/AAAAAAAAFgE/lx8hFMqBsEs9lEciW-wP61BOlYkqAhATgCLcB/s640/IMG_7731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">But the piece de resistance (say it with a French accent), you know that one item that makes you most excited, is my new mantel drape from Pier 1 . . . and all the angels sang. &nbsp;Isn't it simply the cutest? &nbsp;It totally goes with my new decor and makes me happy! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTY84ZOIMHQ/WPDeZVsojII/AAAAAAAAFgI/GQYJmF3HPngVh-LLLkWefvW6s4yUyxZVACLcB/s1600/IMG_7732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTY84ZOIMHQ/WPDeZVsojII/AAAAAAAAFgI/GQYJmF3HPngVh-LLLkWefvW6s4yUyxZVACLcB/s640/IMG_7732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I also love these adorable bunnies . . . and if I can, I tend to buy things in 3's so each kid can have their own one day. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Okay, that's enough . . . I'm sure this is on the verge of annoying so I'll sign off and wish you all a blessed and content Easter weekend!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking up with these amazing folks because it's more fun than not! &nbsp;<a href="http://meetat-thebarre.com/" target="_blank">Amanda</a> . . . <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" target="_blank">Friday Favorites</a> . . . <a href="http://www.sept-farm.com/" target="_blank">Oh Hey, Friday </a>. . . <a href="http://www.smidgeofthis.com/" target="_blank">5 on Friday</a>&nbsp;</span></span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-12876422775816098232017-03-24T09:36:00.001-04:002017-03-24T11:12:22.478-04:00Friday Things!<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">1. My mama heart might just explode with pride . . . this kid. &nbsp;He is so awesome. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LhFGTHBtIbQ/WNP1r_hXKOI/AAAAAAAAFds/j7e2nMBcM_cQDoOqmzA4Ah1jUTUkBNwKwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LhFGTHBtIbQ/WNP1r_hXKOI/AAAAAAAAFds/j7e2nMBcM_cQDoOqmzA4Ah1jUTUkBNwKwCLcB/s640/IMG_7715.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">He got new glasses this week . . . he said he wore them to look smarter! &nbsp;Nice!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on Tuesday night and as soon as the paperwork is processed, he will be an official Eagle Scout! &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ywx6CFn1P0/WNUaburQ4lI/AAAAAAAAFd8/LqFgB7RtFLYThislbB98uq9ElhLHVfoKACLcB/s1600/R%2Bscout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ywx6CFn1P0/WNUaburQ4lI/AAAAAAAAFd8/LqFgB7RtFLYThislbB98uq9ElhLHVfoKACLcB/s640/R%2Bscout.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Can we talk about how much taller Ryan has gotten in the last 3 years ?<br />I'm wearing flats in both pictures! &nbsp;Wow!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I now understand why the rank of Eagle Scout is so revered . . . it's a heck of a lot of work, time and effort. &nbsp;For the Boy Scout and the parents . . . who do you think drove him to everything and paid for all the "fun?" &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">2. &nbsp;I had a physical this week. &nbsp;I'm sad to say it's been probably 3-4 years since my last one . . . mostly because I didn't like the doctor's office, which I know is a super lame excuse. &nbsp;Seriously though, you have to find a practice you like, and I think I found a winner . . . I even scheduled next year's physical! &nbsp;Boom!&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGd1Bw7wTuw/WNUbJhw_ERI/AAAAAAAAFeE/DrRCRPpL5kAf4y3hMbpzwoRCzP53lEpDQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGd1Bw7wTuw/WNUbJhw_ERI/AAAAAAAAFeE/DrRCRPpL5kAf4y3hMbpzwoRCzP53lEpDQCLcB/s640/IMG_2945.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Not my finest picture . . . it was a crazy windy day!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I say it's better to know so it's time to face the music, whatever that may be. &nbsp;They took 7 vials of blood so I guess we shall see what happens! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">3. &nbsp;Anybody else out there doing Weight Watchers? &nbsp;It's really the only program that works for me . . . when I actually follow it. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh3Bd66U2IA/WNUdv2sSjFI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/G3BUFKbkLawtG2Jy2e4KzshPc4z2WWOxgCLcB/s1600/diet.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh3Bd66U2IA/WNUdv2sSjFI/AAAAAAAAFeQ/G3BUFKbkLawtG2Jy2e4KzshPc4z2WWOxgCLcB/s640/diet.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Let me tell you that getting and keeping weight off after 40 is no joke so several of my friends and I make social hour out of the meeting. &nbsp;Dieting (or a healthy lifestyle, as we should say) is best served with others!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">4. &nbsp;I always thought it was cheating to make "fake" mashed potatoes. &nbsp; So basically we never have them because it's a pain in the rear to peel and boil actual potatoes and let's face it, we all know they aren't the healthiest choice. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_wuE7148nU/WNUd6gLV2cI/AAAAAAAAFeU/Jt-kBuvxLiMl5MAVVMKp0j29YA-rwQsSQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_wuE7148nU/WNUd6gLV2cI/AAAAAAAAFeU/Jt-kBuvxLiMl5MAVVMKp0j29YA-rwQsSQCLcB/s640/IMG_2947.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Amanda loves mashed potatoes so I got these and tried them last night . . . whoa, mind blown. &nbsp;It's like 2 minutes to tasty mashed potatoes. &nbsp;And for the judgy, they were 4 WW points!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">5. &nbsp;I'm going to continue to chat about Zeus like business as usual until he leaves for bigger and better things. &nbsp;There are so many things I will miss about him . . . but not necessarily these things!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgyKvTV8k2U/WNUfBZyVkmI/AAAAAAAAFeg/sq1JhoiVZVgwWqsIbcPSaq1x61QflIZQgCLcB/s1600/Big%2BZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgyKvTV8k2U/WNUfBZyVkmI/AAAAAAAAFeg/sq1JhoiVZVgwWqsIbcPSaq1x61QflIZQgCLcB/s640/Big%2BZ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Actually I tend to find this stuff funny because he's just a puppy, and if he messes something up then it's our fault for not keeping an eye on him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">No, he's not supposed to be in the chair, so I keep towels on it for when he opens the back door himself and let's his dirty feet back in the house. &nbsp;If I have anyone over, I'm very careful to double lock the doors, but if it's just me, then I don't bother. &nbsp;Apparently I need to start because I put him out while I was taking a shower this week. &nbsp;Well, mid-shower he zips through the bathroom with dirt on his face. &nbsp; He not only opened the back door, he also opened the door to the garage looking for me. &nbsp;You gotta high five him for being so clever though!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, that's what I know this week . . . cheers to the weekend everyone!</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-68243058008444619592017-03-20T14:20:00.000-04:002017-03-20T14:20:18.965-04:00Oh hey there . . . miss me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLX9z3vdn54/WNAXPBaWj4I/AAAAAAAAFdc/pbULfiwvxxglq7T8jCNBUiETUuKqm1GygCLcB/s1600/Hi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLX9z3vdn54/WNAXPBaWj4I/AAAAAAAAFdc/pbULfiwvxxglq7T8jCNBUiETUuKqm1GygCLcB/s640/Hi.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Should we just pretend that I didn't take a 5 month break? &nbsp;I never mean to be away for so long, but like most things that require time and effort, once you stop it's sometimes hard to start again. If I equated it to an exercise routine, then I think you'd get it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I suppose life has gotten the best of me and blogging gets shoved to the very bottom of the to do list. &nbsp;House updates, the holidays, Zeus, kids, Netflix, blah, blah, blah . . . I always turn back up though.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I also give up reading blogs because like social media, it turns into a major time suck when I'm already feeling a time crunch . . . just know, my blog friends, that I do occasionally&nbsp;lurk and try to keep up even if I don't comment.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So what's been going on lately? &nbsp;Well, lots of things really. &nbsp;Sit back, relax, and be nosy . . . this is my attempt at catching up so I can just start fresh!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My Ryan is rocking the whole high school freshman thing. &nbsp;He was invited to join the Beta Club which makes a mama proud. &nbsp;This week he sits for his Eagle Board of Review (whoa!), and he just earned his 2nd degree black belt in Choi Kwang Do. &nbsp;Get. &nbsp;It. &nbsp;Done. &nbsp;Son.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHaF1vRlAAU/WMfwy6CMgoI/AAAAAAAAFZM/OfUz42I-6a0UtNewhYQ_OOUz00Ivq1iBwCLcB/s1600/Choi%2Bfamily%2Bpic%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHaF1vRlAAU/WMfwy6CMgoI/AAAAAAAAFZM/OfUz42I-6a0UtNewhYQ_OOUz00Ivq1iBwCLcB/s640/Choi%2Bfamily%2Bpic%2Bcropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Kyle, (snaps fingers at him) over here! <br />Amanda, you knew we were taking a picture, right? <br />And yes, I need to diet.</span> &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">That is over 6 years of training, lots of hard work and about a million nights of our life. &nbsp;Ryan is done with training so while it is a bit sad to close this chapter, it's time. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Want to know a super weird feeling? &nbsp;Have your oldest child drive your car while you are helpless in the passenger seat.&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc1locrP1_U/WM7rPDUCJkI/AAAAAAAAFZw/jQcAAoCwo9A88lLjL37kSjJjgwi9Cm5WwCLcB/s1600/R%2Bdriving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc1locrP1_U/WM7rPDUCJkI/AAAAAAAAFZw/jQcAAoCwo9A88lLjL37kSjJjgwi9Cm5WwCLcB/s640/R%2Bdriving.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">He studied and passed the first time . . . this kid is just awesome.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps helpless isn't the best word, but as a known control freak, it's hard to sit passively without a break pedal and steering wheel. &nbsp;I have to say that Ryan really is a good driver. &nbsp;It makes me giggle that he constantly has to wipe his sweaty palms . . . he told me he thought it would be easier . . . I'm assuming based on his vast knowledge from video games and an assortment of wheeled driving toys throughout his life.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rssFJCPcJvg/WM7yhh0FA4I/AAAAAAAAFaA/cG0-Lr7kT90KyvGHx_-SfUZxkd9P55vtACLcB/s1600/2017%2BWinter%2BBall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rssFJCPcJvg/WM7yhh0FA4I/AAAAAAAAFaA/cG0-Lr7kT90KyvGHx_-SfUZxkd9P55vtACLcB/s640/2017%2BWinter%2BBall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">What a fun group of friends! &nbsp;They said it was the best time ever!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">This blue eyed sweetie went to his 8th grade Winter Ball with a bunch of his friends! &nbsp;He sort of, kind of, but not really had a date . . . just a friend and obviously no pictures were allowed of him and a girl. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCt5rqzLVoU/WM7ZuieqZLI/AAAAAAAAFZg/VweImjO45NsQThzn38rVU4mKWyl246ZtwCLcB/s1600/LAX%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCt5rqzLVoU/WM7ZuieqZLI/AAAAAAAAFZg/VweImjO45NsQThzn38rVU4mKWyl246ZtwCLcB/s640/LAX%2BCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">#18 is Kyle . . . it was a yuck day but they won!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Kyle is nearing the end of his middle school years and keeping me on my toes. &nbsp;He's cruising his way through his second season of lacrosse which is made better by having his 3 best friends playing too! &nbsp;I cannot believe that sweet boy is going to high school next year . . . someone hold me. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6TUV8g9dak/WM715zAPv7I/AAAAAAAAFaU/UbJ38e0NS1kBRCblu9LE1XsE6dUFDJEHQCLcB/s1600/A%2Band%2Bfriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6TUV8g9dak/WM715zAPv7I/AAAAAAAAFaU/UbJ38e0NS1kBRCblu9LE1XsE6dUFDJEHQCLcB/s640/A%2Band%2Bfriends.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">We had two days off school for an ice storm this year in January, and Amanda was the only one who was committed to playing outside. &nbsp;Later in January, my Girl Scouts had a weekend in the woods where they worked on a "journey" and stayed in a cabin . . . fun times! &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYxAfIZRtQ/WM74_fu3UQI/AAAAAAAAFag/V1WjC5vo5YAgvf6319JvwZvX9n7DD1jDACLcB/s1600/circus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYxAfIZRtQ/WM74_fu3UQI/AAAAAAAAFag/V1WjC5vo5YAgvf6319JvwZvX9n7DD1jDACLcB/s640/circus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Y'all, that cotton candy/hat combo was $14. &nbsp;Ridiculous.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">We also went to see the last year of the Ringling Bros. circus . . . we had great seats at the Girl Scout discount! &nbsp;And honestly, it's time for it to go . . . it's not like I remember from years ago. &nbsp;And while the animals are fascinating, I'm glad they won't be used in this way anymore. &nbsp;The remaining animals in this show were horses, camels, tigers and poodles. &nbsp;And if you want to make a bunch of tween girls happy, take them on a late night Starbuck's run . . . &nbsp;because duh, Starbucks is life (according to them).</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdjK0oIvDC0/WM7zDylsi7I/AAAAAAAAFaM/rP9xFexiMispTHaavjrgKtV2520YW_MywCEw/s1600/A%2Band%2BZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdjK0oIvDC0/WM7zDylsi7I/AAAAAAAAFaM/rP9xFexiMispTHaavjrgKtV2520YW_MywCEw/s640/A%2Band%2BZ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">They have mutual love for each other . . . so sweet considering <br />he's got several pounds on her now!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">So in summary, little Miss Amanda is so full of sass, but I still can't get enough of her! &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">She is all about her Zeus, hanging out with her friends, and organizing her endlessly messy room . . . oh, and being on her phone way too much.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15co9JzKbo8/WM--9MTO-bI/AAAAAAAAFaw/E0AO0AcxH7YNNbAZJ8jE__kWZ7knS4xXACLcB/s1600/Big%2BZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15co9JzKbo8/WM--9MTO-bI/AAAAAAAAFaw/E0AO0AcxH7YNNbAZJ8jE__kWZ7knS4xXACLcB/s640/Big%2BZ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I die of the cuteness . . . the head tilt, the tail tuck, the regal poses . . . love it all!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of Zeus, isn't he gorgeous? &nbsp;I mean, like whoa . . . so freaking handsome. &nbsp;And he for sure loves my children . . . and Getzy, but most of all . . . me! &nbsp;We basically spend 24/7 together so he doesn't really have a choice. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Guess who he doesn't love? EVERYONE else. &nbsp;It's a big, long story that I hope to write about soon, but Zeus will hopefully become a working police K-9 in the near future. &nbsp;While we love him so, he is too much of a liability to have as a family pet . . . since no one but us can actually pet him anyway. While I know I seem to be making light of this, it has been a huge part of why I have been absent. It's been very stressful and sad, especially since he's my little (well, not really so little) buddy. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">For the holidays, Getzy and the boys went to visit his family in Florida (because we promised the boys they would get to see their cousins) and Amanda and I stayed home with the dogs . . . for the sole reason that it would be too stressful to deal with Zeus away from home. &nbsp;So Amanda and I spent Thanksgiving with some of our favorite people . . . these folks for lunch. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q69aRaW5Lfw/WM_DSNw7IGI/AAAAAAAAFa8/1OrxjNxzvjAfryXfTNP8i_u7hR4MDkNgACLcB/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q69aRaW5Lfw/WM_DSNw7IGI/AAAAAAAAFa8/1OrxjNxzvjAfryXfTNP8i_u7hR4MDkNgACLcB/s640/IMG_2508.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">And you're welcome . . . Christmas card photo creds to me!&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">And for dinner we went ate with my friend Lake and her family. &nbsp;Amanda is best pals with her daughter, and Lake and I have been Girl Scout co-leaders since our girls were in Kindergarten. Sadly I don't have a picture (remember I wasn't in blog picture taking mode), but I can honestly say I have never seen so much food in all my life . . . and it was delicious!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SRvYIdb8gQ/WM_EK4lKA2I/AAAAAAAAFbE/_6_7kLea-F8In6j38UqVXALEXneqgf-5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SRvYIdb8gQ/WM_EK4lKA2I/AAAAAAAAFbE/_6_7kLea-F8In6j38UqVXALEXneqgf-5gCLcB/s640/IMG_2566.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">They will have to see Santa until they move out . . . mom's rule!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Christmas was fabulous, as always. &nbsp;My decorating was lacking this year because my house was finally being put back together by then, and I couldn't bear to drag out all the holiday decor. &nbsp;I had 3 and a half trees decorated . . . I simply didn't finish the basement one . . . and not much else out this year. &nbsp;But Santa still showed up and all was well!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKlvF6DOh0U/WM_PxnxsgBI/AAAAAAAAFbU/KdsGnaTnnBQ4-lx8k3xd8twchJKzJshWgCLcB/s1600/D%2527s%2Bwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKlvF6DOh0U/WM_PxnxsgBI/AAAAAAAAFbU/KdsGnaTnnBQ4-lx8k3xd8twchJKzJshWgCLcB/s640/D%2527s%2Bwedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">It's not often we dress up fancy! &nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">We headed home to Virginia for my brother's wedding. &nbsp;I was super happy for him and his new wife . . . it's a sweet story because they were friends as teenagers and then reconnected all these years later! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeD1lXlA1xE/WNAEE0ESXQI/AAAAAAAAFck/CAIsYoS5wfcU8-Mw86O6NaqVEkQ0XC4tQCLcB/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeD1lXlA1xE/WNAEE0ESXQI/AAAAAAAAFck/CAIsYoS5wfcU8-Mw86O6NaqVEkQ0XC4tQCLcB/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpwMO0PPB4U/WNAEzvudSbI/AAAAAAAAFcw/6RCtnI9DIOsj83JFQMrBAROrtikTK1z7QCLcB/s1600/Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpwMO0PPB4U/WNAEzvudSbI/AAAAAAAAFcw/6RCtnI9DIOsj83JFQMrBAROrtikTK1z7QCLcB/s640/Wedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">The wedding was lovely and it was amazing to all be together as a family . . . that doesn't happen too often!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvenqAznfgY/WM_Q686nSnI/AAAAAAAAFbg/QyHpmBTogjQpnD4N5d8u-DTIvYEkN28TgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvenqAznfgY/WM_Q686nSnI/AAAAAAAAFbg/QyHpmBTogjQpnD4N5d8u-DTIvYEkN28TgCLcB/s640/IMG_2331.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">I finally got my mama upgraded to an iPhone&nbsp;from the kind where if you want to text someone you have to hit the buttons a certain number of times to get the letter you want. &nbsp;Yeah, it was time! &nbsp;Her world was officially rocked when she realized she could connect to the Internet AND play solitaire from her phone. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t54Vwshfv6I/WM_R_BLcyCI/AAAAAAAAFbs/j9_xAyZw9u0_41Sp36DKdM19YwIEUlAEgCLcB/s1600/Ray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t54Vwshfv6I/WM_R_BLcyCI/AAAAAAAAFbs/j9_xAyZw9u0_41Sp36DKdM19YwIEUlAEgCLcB/s640/Ray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">My mom's sweet husband kicked cancer's butt last year and is doing great! &nbsp;We are so thankful he's healthy and on the other side of that nasty disease! &nbsp;And here is a lovely photo of his dog Molly . . . we call that her "smile" but there really isn't anything nice about her. &nbsp;She loves him so that's what matters. &nbsp;She's one mean girl for sure. &nbsp;Her and Zeus should hang out together. &nbsp;Ha!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sI73PpyGagw/WNACW3Lgx7I/AAAAAAAAFcY/_XU2d9O0rWMKyAS-_cNoBgv5-Isz3BPqACLcB/s1600/Stone%2BMountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sI73PpyGagw/WNACW3Lgx7I/AAAAAAAAFcY/_XU2d9O0rWMKyAS-_cNoBgv5-Isz3BPqACLcB/s640/Stone%2BMountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I love a girls trip and my poker mamas did a local Stone Mountain weekend last fall. &nbsp;We had a blast . . . we shopped, spa'd, snacked, drank, played poker and adventured . . . that's a perfect recipe for a good time. &nbsp;These ladies make my life so much better . . . I am so thankful for each and every one of them!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15SLZ6KMXqk/WNATr_ub0FI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/anO5GHujv8E77crHkuEJcBLVWtYZnLsUgCLcB/s1600/college%2Bpeeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15SLZ6KMXqk/WNATr_ub0FI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/anO5GHujv8E77crHkuEJcBLVWtYZnLsUgCLcB/s640/college%2Bpeeps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I also had a fabulous girls' weekend this past fall with my college friends. &nbsp;Y'all, these are my people. &nbsp;I love them to the moon and back. &nbsp;I am ever so grateful for each of them and our lasting friendships. &nbsp;We laugh, we cry, we confess . . . and then we drink and eat cheese. &nbsp;The best.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN3N-3YGhv8/WM_73_3CPqI/AAAAAAAAFcE/fq-QaUzMKDsWodLm0AJeBq9Ef1TjbCq9QCLcB/s1600/Cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN3N-3YGhv8/WM_73_3CPqI/AAAAAAAAFcE/fq-QaUzMKDsWodLm0AJeBq9Ef1TjbCq9QCLcB/s640/Cruise.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">And then there are these girls . . . I love them long time too and oh how they make me laugh! We each did a big celebration trip for our 40th birthdays and this was the last of the big 4-0 milestones for us. &nbsp;We got a great deal on a Royal Caribbean&nbsp;4 night cruise to Cozumel . . . and a discount on the drink package. &nbsp;Jokes on them though . &nbsp;. . they were losing money on us by 10 a.m. because . . . mimosas for breakfast. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tw1bwJfjOE/WNARNommKdI/AAAAAAAAFdE/LZpt-wHGY3YuoCwSajFau594SEoRBbgxwCLcB/s1600/50%2Bshades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tw1bwJfjOE/WNARNommKdI/AAAAAAAAFdE/LZpt-wHGY3YuoCwSajFau594SEoRBbgxwCLcB/s640/50%2Bshades.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Some of my local friends and I hit up the Fifty Shades Darker movie the day it opened in the "extreme" theater. &nbsp;So yeah, we basically watched porn together. &nbsp;Y'all, it was naughty. &nbsp;And I was fine with it! &nbsp;I was also fine with my friends bringing me "snacks" to the theater! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">OMG . . . I think that's it. &nbsp;Well, enough for now anyway. &nbsp;It's weird to end it on the dirty movie, but I've run out of pictures and stories. &nbsp;Missed you all. &nbsp;Mean it! &nbsp;Let's hope I can get my crap together to show up more often!</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-37588952621448465372016-10-31T06:43:00.003-04:002016-10-31T06:43:46.612-04:00Life Lately!<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Whoops . . . it's been a hot minute. &nbsp;I am consumed with house updates over here . . . and my life motto of go big or go home is in full swing. &nbsp;Normal folks would tackle maybe one room, but I figured after 17 years, the whole main floor needed some love. &nbsp;The multitude of decisions are killing me . . . I had no idea how many choices every thing would require. &nbsp;My brain is on overload, thus my absence. &nbsp;But the house updates are a post for another day . . . when it's finished. &nbsp;Let's just recap what's been going on since my last post!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, a week at the beach was a much needed respite from the day to day hustle and bustle. &nbsp;I literally sat in the sand with some good music, great friends and a cold drink. &nbsp;Not even kidding . . . I haven't pressed that much ass since I don't know when. &nbsp;It was glorious! &nbsp;Everyone got along swimmingly (see what I did there?) and no major sunburns so I was happy! &nbsp;Here's a sample of the starring roles . . . I need to do a recap soon because I want to have the memories documented!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbXz4VgXY5w/WBDOSIcgNxI/AAAAAAAAFVI/2EGYaP0AHSw3EOl--aBl322pwYBVvKoFQCLcB/s1600/PCB%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbXz4VgXY5w/WBDOSIcgNxI/AAAAAAAAFVI/2EGYaP0AHSw3EOl--aBl322pwYBVvKoFQCLcB/s640/PCB%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Admittedly these are sucky photos . . . it is what it is.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">How about my Kyle suited up for his first lacrosse game? &nbsp;I die of love for this kid trying a new sport in the 8th grade. &nbsp;He actually loved participating in the game, more so than the routine drills of practice! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbeG3UghUCk/WBDP9pR1G-I/AAAAAAAAFVU/52EylWQQFAM8aoM1SDnMKDnZwIQa7-ykwCLcB/s1600/K%2527s%2Bfirst%2Blacrosse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbeG3UghUCk/WBDP9pR1G-I/AAAAAAAAFVU/52EylWQQFAM8aoM1SDnMKDnZwIQa7-ykwCLcB/s640/K%2527s%2Bfirst%2Blacrosse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">His best bud Trenton has been playing for years! &nbsp;He was so much fun to watch . . . he has some mad skills! &nbsp;I had no idea how rough lacrosse was . . . until my baby was out there getting whacked with the stick and pushed to the ground. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wj-d1y8VZA/WBDRQanHqZI/AAAAAAAAFVg/rk3dd6aCGBM4AL_QYlteuhWkjt3BwO6cwCLcB/s1600/T%2Bplaying%2Blacrosse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wj-d1y8VZA/WBDRQanHqZI/AAAAAAAAFVg/rk3dd6aCGBM4AL_QYlteuhWkjt3BwO6cwCLcB/s640/T%2Bplaying%2Blacrosse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Funny story on the car ride home . . . there were complaints that the refs favored the other team and called too many penalties&nbsp;on our team. &nbsp;I mentioned that a kid got a penalty for shoving Kyle though the air, and Kyle starts to giggle and says, "I deserved it . . . I was talking a bunch of trash to him." &nbsp;That kid. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">"That kid" also had his first band concert of the year and looked so handsome in his formal clothes. Kyle is my kid who would wear work out shorts and t-shirts all the live long day if we let him, which we don't. &nbsp;So to see him so spiffy, we were all just in amazement! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UnUzZq-5Jk/WBDZZWoEcAI/AAAAAAAAFVw/BeLFiE9Opi4La_DSnie8xB9w2JXZxZfBgCLcB/s1600/band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UnUzZq-5Jk/WBDZZWoEcAI/AAAAAAAAFVw/BeLFiE9Opi4La_DSnie8xB9w2JXZxZfBgCLcB/s640/band.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Miss Amanda has been overcoming her boredom lately by looking for things to do on Pinterest. The boys are happy to play video games to pass the time, but Amanda needs more hands on activities! &nbsp;She calls it "making experiments" . . . all I know is I've had to buy lots of cornstarch, flour and cream of tarter lately. &nbsp;Here's her rainbow of play dough!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7r33jN2DO_A/WBDaXqlcdPI/AAAAAAAAFV0/S2n2VJcb_KYDjj5eBvqrs5KrS6f8bIt6ACLcB/s1600/Play%2Bdough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7r33jN2DO_A/WBDaXqlcdPI/AAAAAAAAFV0/S2n2VJcb_KYDjj5eBvqrs5KrS6f8bIt6ACLcB/s640/Play%2Bdough.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And I found this when I went to make some eggs . . . it put a smile on my face for sure. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TG3TvYZv1I/WBDalnKmKcI/AAAAAAAAFV4/5DUkmig7MwUUguVJ_G_wI0lOgUYe4nToACLcB/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TG3TvYZv1I/WBDalnKmKcI/AAAAAAAAFV4/5DUkmig7MwUUguVJ_G_wI0lOgUYe4nToACLcB/s640/eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It's high school homecoming season so of course I was after Ryan to find out if he was taking a date. &nbsp;In the end, he decided to just go with friends. &nbsp;Alrighty then . . . cheaper and easier. &nbsp;The only thing he requested were some khaki pants so that made shopping easy this year. &nbsp;I am 100% biased, but he sure did look handsome (notice the braces).</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jcNsP9eR-g/WBDdtdqX3WI/AAAAAAAAFWI/WPpHRwbV5eMUZYhfYn2DJwTEYubK9rcuwCLcB/s1600/hoco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jcNsP9eR-g/WBDdtdqX3WI/AAAAAAAAFWI/WPpHRwbV5eMUZYhfYn2DJwTEYubK9rcuwCLcB/s640/hoco.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I also can't believe that kid is a freshman in high school and just turned 15 . . . what I wouldn't give to go back to when he was little and hold him one more time. &nbsp;Without a doubt he is the easiest kid on the planet. &nbsp;He doesn't like to draw attention to himself and really doesn't ask for much. &nbsp;I found him a few cool presents that seemed to make him happy, although a gaming computer would have been top on his list. &nbsp;Uh, nope . . . too expensive when he already has a working laptop. &nbsp;(Now notice the teeth . . . braces came off recently which is the best 15th birthday present of all!)</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYrzog1zaIw/WBDibbIv5LI/AAAAAAAAFWU/YVXqG9GzUjUi4uUaO0vIKK9_pxK95_hUQCLcB/s1600/R%2Bbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYrzog1zaIw/WBDibbIv5LI/AAAAAAAAFWU/YVXqG9GzUjUi4uUaO0vIKK9_pxK95_hUQCLcB/s640/R%2Bbday.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Poor kid just walked in the door from Cross Country practice,<br />&nbsp;and I jump on him to open his presents!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We went out to dinner to celebrate with friends and luckily Granny was here visiting too! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYCK2MqKeI/WBDzu5_hBXI/AAAAAAAAFWk/3whgYRyoUX0b04-X5PfkRsTkMEK-vfA6QCLcB/s1600/R%2B%2526%2BGranny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYCK2MqKeI/WBDzu5_hBXI/AAAAAAAAFWk/3whgYRyoUX0b04-X5PfkRsTkMEK-vfA6QCLcB/s640/R%2B%2526%2BGranny.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And my yahoo friends can't help but get in the picture! &nbsp;Their photo bomb obviously cracked my mom up!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOmjHDlJq60/WBD8mM3TXPI/AAAAAAAAFW0/yntP-1plltA0dt-J-vR6hybq2HdXabsDgCLcB/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOmjHDlJq60/WBD8mM3TXPI/AAAAAAAAFW0/yntP-1plltA0dt-J-vR6hybq2HdXabsDgCLcB/s640/dinner.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Granny and I coerced Amanda into going antique shopping . . . I promised lunch out since Target is more her style. &nbsp;I get it though. &nbsp;My mom dragged me to flea markets all the time when I was a kid, and I'm only now deciding I prefer antiques to the new crap that's not as well made. &nbsp;My mom doesn't even know what to do with me now that I'm the one taking her to antique stores!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhQcpbhNCB4/WBEV2M0QThI/AAAAAAAAFXE/ajlpObvJo0g1-M4S55e-UP_14jDnBL5eQCLcB/s1600/A%2Band%2BGranny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhQcpbhNCB4/WBEV2M0QThI/AAAAAAAAFXE/ajlpObvJo0g1-M4S55e-UP_14jDnBL5eQCLcB/s640/A%2Band%2BGranny.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Moving onto my fur babies . . . Zeus completed his training and came home from away camp! &nbsp;Isn't he so pretty?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5VwAIAF3j8/WBEWa8gSuWI/AAAAAAAAFXI/ywBqWk_xal02AgCYqEhq_BtGantycGPCgCLcB/s1600/Zeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V5VwAIAF3j8/WBEWa8gSuWI/AAAAAAAAFXI/ywBqWk_xal02AgCYqEhq_BtGantycGPCgCLcB/s640/Zeus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He's lucky he's so handsome because he's a lot of work. &nbsp;Like "who's bright idea was it to get a GSD puppy" work. &nbsp;He's amazing on a leash . . . he literally goes everywhere with me. &nbsp;He's been to outdoor restaurants, several stores and lots of training walks. &nbsp;He even napped while I made some Best Buy purchases!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdlIufCxdv0/WBEXFp73GTI/AAAAAAAAFXU/AFQ42R395gQufZ71NP6C5-SBQGZyfORnwCLcB/s1600/Zeus%2Bat%2BBest%2BBuy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdlIufCxdv0/WBEXFp73GTI/AAAAAAAAFXU/AFQ42R395gQufZ71NP6C5-SBQGZyfORnwCLcB/s640/Zeus%2Bat%2BBest%2BBuy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">But he is not a fan of people coming to his house. &nbsp;Note I said "his" house because he's pretty sure he owns it. &nbsp;Just ask the contractors I've had around this week. &nbsp;Let's just say I don't need any other sort of security system. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He is basically a toddler and Abby would rather not deal with him, but they get along most of the time. &nbsp;Here's proof!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hUlEg7ldws/WBcgG2xmnrI/AAAAAAAAFX4/4N5oBoWILE4qQREMJGAqdL-wdNI4DQ8qwCLcB/s1600/fur%2Bbabies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hUlEg7ldws/WBcgG2xmnrI/AAAAAAAAFX4/4N5oBoWILE4qQREMJGAqdL-wdNI4DQ8qwCLcB/s640/fur%2Bbabies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia, &quot;times new roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I guess that sums it up for now . . . wish I had more time to sit down and write . . . these kids and dogs are keeping me on my toes! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween and hope you have a fun and safe evening!</span><br /> Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-48784558003059437082016-09-23T13:30:00.002-04:002016-09-23T13:30:19.580-04:00Friday things . . .<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Do you want the good news or the bad news first? &nbsp;I always answer that question the same . . . give me the bad so I can get it over with and focus on the good. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I won't be sad to see this week go for so many reasons. &nbsp;Life can't always be about the peaks . . . sometimes you just have to trudge through the valleys, learn some things in the process and focus on the good things to come. &nbsp;I would encourage folks to not to compare themselves or their lives to others because as we well know, all that glitters isn't gold.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">On top of several trying situations this week, heaven gained a new angel . . . a beautiful soul left this earth much too soon. &nbsp;As we all know, cancer sucks. &nbsp;Fall break can't come soon enough. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KX1fKodGULM/V-UE0QRCT2I/AAAAAAAAFS4/umpXws5PrRU9m6O3BhGDUub_83Essfs0ACLcB/s1600/50-Warm-Sunny-Beach-Quotes%252B_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KX1fKodGULM/V-UE0QRCT2I/AAAAAAAAFS4/umpXws5PrRU9m6O3BhGDUub_83Essfs0ACLcB/s640/50-Warm-Sunny-Beach-Quotes%252B_38.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It's time to turn the frown upside down and recap a few life happenings of late. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My son's high school cross country team hosts a 5K fun run as it's annual fundraiser. &nbsp;Of course our family signs up to support the team, but a</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">s my alarm clocks goes off way too early on a Saturday, I always wonder what I was thinking. &nbsp;But then you get there and the energy and excitement make it all so much fun, and I'm always thankful I signed up!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The team was instructed to just have fun and not run too fast so the folks in the community could qualify for the medals! &nbsp;Apparently my son 'Facetimes' his cousin during the race, while on the trails, and I get a call later about how funny it was. &nbsp;That kid . . . he does make us laugh all the time. And as you know, laughter is so good for the soul. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3MTD9ufrs8/V-UJxty6D2I/AAAAAAAAFTI/W1FtJ2ragk0nK5MFi1KYv1leLE1j2ZmggCLcB/s1600/Race%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3MTD9ufrs8/V-UJxty6D2I/AAAAAAAAFTI/W1FtJ2ragk0nK5MFi1KYv1leLE1j2ZmggCLcB/s640/Race%2Bday.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">This picture makes my heart happy for a bunch of reasons. &nbsp;One, we're all together for a race . . . how cool is that? &nbsp;Two, Getzy won 2nd place for his age group. &nbsp;That dude is fast. &nbsp;He hasn't trained lately but still killed it. &nbsp;Three, Amanda won for her age group and even did an additional 1K after completing the 5K . . . and her sport is currently dance. &nbsp;Get it girl. &nbsp;Four, this is the first picture where I see how fast Kyle is gaining on me and just how much taller Ryan is than me. &nbsp;They are still sweet little boys in my head though.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And speaking of sweet fellows, I was so proud of our friends for also earning medals in their age group! &nbsp;Winning medals sure makes for a more fun race experience!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T939CubU71A/V-VVYJ7WugI/AAAAAAAAFUA/kjbYCjZOZ3srLnNODdaID6xLpEcHLY-IwCLcB/s1600/S%2B%2526%2BT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T939CubU71A/V-VVYJ7WugI/AAAAAAAAFUA/kjbYCjZOZ3srLnNODdaID6xLpEcHLY-IwCLcB/s640/S%2B%2526%2BT.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Up next, my Amanda has complained to me a few times in recent weeks that she's having a hard time seeing the board at school. &nbsp;Like the good mother that I am, I ignore it the first couple of times thinking maybe it's a fluke. &nbsp;In my head I just took her to the eye doctor. &nbsp;So I tell her that I'll call, but if she's been seen in the last year, we weren't going. &nbsp;Yeah, it was September 2013. &nbsp;Mom game is strong here.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzezdDMWBBA/V-VCXM2HyeI/AAAAAAAAFTs/Ngeq6k0r-SUgNrM3ERS6oT1LSOjPdbI9wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzezdDMWBBA/V-VCXM2HyeI/AAAAAAAAFTs/Ngeq6k0r-SUgNrM3ERS6oT1LSOjPdbI9wCLcB/s640/IMG_1716.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Isn't that air puff the worst?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So I promptly make an appointment for her, and I'm sure you can guess that she does, in fact, need glasses. &nbsp;Apparently she has a very common condition called Latent Hyperopia where her eyes constantly go in and out of focus. &nbsp;This also explains why she doesn't enjoy reading as much as she used to . . . it wears her brain out to try and focus on the page. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Her prescription is light so the doctor recommended she try 1.25+ reading glasses to see if they helped. &nbsp;They do so we will get child size glasses made, but she does look pretty cute in her specs . . . as seen in the picture below! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btnTyG7zveU/V-USKHZGK_I/AAAAAAAAFTc/IJo4GVeE3yAM09MI1UrBNZAEBBpfNK1UwCLcB/s1600/Zeus%2Bto%2Bcamp.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btnTyG7zveU/V-USKHZGK_I/AAAAAAAAFTc/IJo4GVeE3yAM09MI1UrBNZAEBBpfNK1UwCLcB/s640/Zeus%2Bto%2Bcamp.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">This picture makes me happy and sad . . . this was the morning Zeus left for <a href="http://www.gak9.com/" target="_blank">K-9 Academy</a>. &nbsp;Some folks are wondering about this . . . why we chose this route for him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We knew if we welcomed a German Shepherd into our family that he was going to get formal training. &nbsp;Sure, I can teach him to sit and down and other basic commands, but I want more for him than just the basics. &nbsp;I want him to have the best life possible so making sure he is well trained ensures that. &nbsp;I want him to be able to go where we go and join us on family outings without fear of his behavior. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Let's face it . . . there is a stigma associated with big dogs, GSDs specifically. &nbsp;I didn't quite realize how scared some people were of them until I had one of my own. &nbsp;I'm way more scared of a&nbsp;Dachshund&nbsp;than a GSD, just saying. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So he is at "away camp," as we like to call it, for&nbsp;immersion&nbsp;training . . . then he comes home. &nbsp;We are trained to be his handlers, and we will be tested twice with him before he receives his certificate and can move on to Advanced and Elite training. &nbsp;He is learning voice and hand commands, which is pretty cool. &nbsp;And no, this is not protection training . . . that's a whole different level. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I miss him terribly and cannot wait for him to be done . . . he has a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgiak9/albums/72157672966329331" target="_blank">Flickr </a>page that I stalk every hour. &nbsp;I also have called several times to check in on him. &nbsp;There are approximately 10 shepherds there this week so he is in good company and having a blast! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">A because I can't stop, won't stop . . . here are a few cute pics of my handsome boy!!!&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUn8cGWwayI/V-VW5zNuthI/AAAAAAAAFUM/CbtPk7vXXTAKlPNmcB3T-FiZN50I6i5ugCLcB/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUn8cGWwayI/V-VW5zNuthI/AAAAAAAAFUM/CbtPk7vXXTAKlPNmcB3T-FiZN50I6i5ugCLcB/s640/IMG_1676.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">I love you Abby! &nbsp;Do you love me?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khHQaROACSY/V-VWuYFLg_I/AAAAAAAAFUI/k94-VAKO01ANC-OIQGtXm8xk-CgpZBEmACLcB/s1600/IMG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-khHQaROACSY/V-VWuYFLg_I/AAAAAAAAFUI/k94-VAKO01ANC-OIQGtXm8xk-CgpZBEmACLcB/s640/IMG_1684.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">I love you too mom! &nbsp;Am I too close?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coAfLI0C994/V-VXGquO5kI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/MCnPW5Jh54oe-qcJsO96fWrj9QO1hx6JgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-coAfLI0C994/V-VXGquO5kI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/MCnPW5Jh54oe-qcJsO96fWrj9QO1hx6JgCLcB/s640/IMG_1689.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Fine . . . I'll sit over here.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PV3JEbALyA8/V-VXKfEUdII/AAAAAAAAFUU/Oz6lG3_xIdkrDaYB_CTd3OMzeD5TRz-OgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PV3JEbALyA8/V-VXKfEUdII/AAAAAAAAFUU/Oz6lG3_xIdkrDaYB_CTd3OMzeD5TRz-OgCLcB/s640/IMG_1666.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Keeping an eye his boy Kyle . . . look at how the color of his coat is changing?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">That last one makes me giggle because there is my Kyle playing lacrosse . . . he's the kid right between his ears with the bight blue shorts! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It kills me I don't have a better lacrosse picture . . . next practice! &nbsp;I'm so proud of Kyle for trying a new skill . . . that's not easy when you're almost in high school. &nbsp;I predict he will go back to running, but we shall see!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My handsome boy did get some new hardware this week . . . braces . . . the teenage rite of passage. Here's his before and after smiles!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53lLRXntdWg/V-ViBPtDNiI/AAAAAAAAFUk/AjgOjWZNcZcG6ne7cccz05DIuLOTWboWwCLcB/s1600/K%2Bin%2Bbraces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53lLRXntdWg/V-ViBPtDNiI/AAAAAAAAFUk/AjgOjWZNcZcG6ne7cccz05DIuLOTWboWwCLcB/s640/K%2Bin%2Bbraces.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">I just love this kid's freckles!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I know they've been hurting him, but he's powering through! &nbsp;Hopefully they will only be on for about 18 months . . . not too bad!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">At our last Girl Scout meeting, we were working on a badge but I needed to fill some extra time. &nbsp;I thought it would be a good idea to make sure each girl knew how to cook an egg . . . learning life skills is important. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQEDWOrIIBM/V-Vi_upo_2I/AAAAAAAAFUo/bmvY_UELx9Mw8qxy-8WrUGRhoHo54ChDwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQEDWOrIIBM/V-Vi_upo_2I/AAAAAAAAFUo/bmvY_UELx9Mw8qxy-8WrUGRhoHo54ChDwCLcB/s640/IMG_1735.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Egg-celent job!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We had several activities going so one by one I called each girl over and taught them how to make a scrambled or fried egg, their choice. &nbsp;The coolest part is that every day since, Amanda has not only made herself an egg for breakfast, she's offered to make them for the rest of us. &nbsp;As I told my Girl Scouts . . . eggs are cheap, and you'll never go hungry if you know how to cook an egg!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, that's it for this Friday . . . I sure hope you have a good one . . . I've never been so happy to say cheers to the freaking weekend!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Linking up with <a href="http://meetat-thebarre.com/" target="_blank">Amanda</a>, <a href="http://www.sept-farm.com/" target="_blank">Karli</a>, <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" target="_blank">Andrea</a>, <a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Liz</a>, and <a href="http://www.brightonabudget.com/" target="_blank">Tif</a>!</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-19682375648547782572016-09-16T10:19:00.000-04:002016-09-16T10:21:32.014-04:00Fall Goals . . . Let's Do This<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Let's give it up for lists of things to accomplishment . . . they make me feel so organized and centered! &nbsp;I'm setting some fall goals to hold myself accountable and to focus my efforts on things that are important to me. &nbsp;</span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtosteph.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Life According to Steph"><img alt="Life According to Steph" src="http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b536/lifeaccordingtosteph1/Fall%20Seasonal%20Goals%201_zpsovdfwjyf.jpg" height="640" style="border: none;" width="429" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Here we go . . .&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">1. &nbsp;<b>Have a fire pit night or two!</b> &nbsp;What the heck do I mean by this? &nbsp;Well, we have a fire pit, fire wood and a back yard . . . why do we not sit out there and chillax with friends, s'mores and a beverage? &nbsp;Beats me . . . it's on for fall!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">2. &nbsp;<b>Visit a pumpkin patch and/or apple orchard!</b> &nbsp;My kids are pretty much too old for this "stuff," but I love it! &nbsp;Plus, this is where memories are made so we are going somewhere in the next few weeks!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">3. &nbsp;<b>Accomplish at least one house update!</b> &nbsp;Alas, we are not moving. &nbsp;It seems like a great idea to start over in a new house but really, it's just more work so we are going to begin tackling our home update list. &nbsp;Honestly I think the hardest part is just making phone calls to get quotes . . . time to get on it. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">4. &nbsp;<b>Figure out my decorating style! </b>&nbsp;This seems odd, but I feel like I need a style direction for our main floor as we start to make updates. &nbsp;I don't have the gift of interior design . . . anyone want to offer their opinions? &nbsp;I'm perusing websites like <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/getzgirlonfire/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>and <a href="http://www.houzz.com/" target="_blank">Houzz </a>. . . it's all so overwhelming.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">5. &nbsp;<b>Organize the storage room!</b> &nbsp;Eeewww. &nbsp;This has to be done because I need to get to my fall decorations. &nbsp;I know this task is worse in my head than actually doing it. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">6. &nbsp;<b>Reduce the 2nd digit by one in my 3 digit weight!</b> &nbsp;This is self explanatory (or did I make that confusing?) . . . and not easy as we enter the season of eating, but I'm going to try!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">7. &nbsp;<b>Make the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/cinammon_rolls_/" target="_blank">Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls</a> to give away to friends!</b> &nbsp;I love to bake, and I love the smell of cinnamon! &nbsp;These are so easy and delicious and the recipe makes a ton of them, thus the need to give them away. &nbsp;I did this a few years ago and still chuckle at my Columbian friend Natalia's text to me about them . . . something along the lines of "there is excitement in the house . . . we've never had these before . . . how do we eat them?" &nbsp;So funny! &nbsp;Who needs some? &nbsp;I even deliver!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">8. &nbsp;<b>Start my oldest son's Scout scrapbook!</b> &nbsp;He will (fingers crossed) hopefully make Eagle Scout soon, and I want to have a scrapbook on display at his Eagle Court of Honor. &nbsp;I suspect this will take way more time and effort than I want so it's best to get started now. &nbsp;Anyone have pictures to send me of him from scouting trips and activities?!? &nbsp;Help a sister out!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">9. &nbsp;<b>Finish Christmas shopping by November 30th!</b> &nbsp;I don't want to be running around last minute and buy things just to check the box. &nbsp;I've already started because I like to spread the expense over several months as well.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">10. &nbsp;<b>Get updated family pictures! </b>&nbsp;Last time we had them done was June 2014. &nbsp;I need new ones that are better than school photos. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">11. &nbsp;<b>Find our wedding video and get it converted from VHS!</b> &nbsp;Yes, I am that old. &nbsp;Getzy just randomly asked me where is was and suggested we get it converted so now I get to find it! &nbsp;I'm sure it's somewhere safe and sound. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">12. &nbsp;<b>Test out as a handler with my Zeus!</b> &nbsp;My sweet little baby is leaving on Sunday for K-9 academy. &nbsp;He will learn his stuff, and we have to learn his stuff. &nbsp;And then we have to pass two tests as his handler before he can advance. &nbsp;More to come on this in a later post. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Whoa, that felt good. &nbsp;I didn't really have much in mind, but then the juices started flowing and I decided a dozen was enough. &nbsp;I'll check back on how I did when it's time to post winter goals. What are your fall goals? &nbsp;Do share . . . because I'm nosey and like to know things!</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-41117473372873980142016-09-13T14:09:00.003-04:002016-09-13T14:09:47.246-04:009/11 - Helping my kids understand<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'd venture to say all of us know exactly where we were and what we were doing when the attacks on 9/11 happened. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f75TL5M-VM/V9gcap_WABI/AAAAAAAAFSc/pXoVgkANpxcT7xvvHGH39Fq7WQzUkx4xgCLcB/s1600/Flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2f75TL5M-VM/V9gcap_WABI/AAAAAAAAFSc/pXoVgkANpxcT7xvvHGH39Fq7WQzUkx4xgCLcB/s640/Flags.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I remember that it was a beautiful sunny day and business as usual at work. &nbsp;Then my phone rang and Getzy told me to go watch the news. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I'm not much of a news watcher because I feel like so much of it is negative and manipulated. Getzy and I have an agreement that he will let me know when something important is happening. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">At the time I was working for a media company in Dunwoody, Georgia. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I went into my boss's office to watch the coverage just after the first plane hit the World Trade Center. &nbsp;Originally we thought it was just a terrible accident . . . then the second plane hit. &nbsp; I think it was then we began to realize that life as we know it would never be the same.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I was pregnant with my oldest son, Ryan. &nbsp;Oddly enough, I remember I was wearing a black maternity maxi dress with tiny red roses all over it. &nbsp;I still have the dress . . . I couldn't part with it when I let go of my maternity clothes because it had such significance to me. &nbsp;And I remember thinking what kind of world am I bringing a child into . . . thoughts I hadn't really had before then.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I suppose until you live through something, it doesn't have as much meaning to you. &nbsp;It wasn't until I visited Pearl Harbor and toured the Dachau concentration camp in Germany that I truly felt like I could understand the magnitude of those events. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hpi8PibyVT0/V9gchA_jVuI/AAAAAAAAFSg/hSVMKZQGjuUkyioVBdYP__lYra9bBIvFACLcB/s1600/Kids%2Band%2Bflags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hpi8PibyVT0/V9gchA_jVuI/AAAAAAAAFSg/hSVMKZQGjuUkyioVBdYP__lYra9bBIvFACLcB/s640/Kids%2Band%2Bflags.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A motley crew for sure . . . we fed the high schoolers right after <br />cross country practice and told them to get in the car . . . <br />you never know what the day holds in our house!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">To help our children understand, my friend Michelle and I took them to a nearby battlefield where every five years they display 2,977 American flags to represent the lives of each person lost in the 9/11 tragedy. &nbsp;Until we can make it to the actual sight in New York, this local memorial helps our kids get a sense of the significance of what happened that day.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">To say the flag display was moving is an understatement. &nbsp;From the minute I saw them, the tears flowed. &nbsp;To see the volume of flags and to know what each represents was overwhelming. I think the visual made it much more real to all of us. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's hard to believe that it's been 15 years. &nbsp;A lot has changed since 9/11, but I'm choosing to look on the bright side. &nbsp;So much good in humanity came from the tragedy . . . so much patriotism. America is the land of the free . . . and the home of the brave. &nbsp;That was never more true than after 9/11. &nbsp;</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-55656551090175788922016-09-08T06:55:00.000-04:002016-09-08T07:22:10.867-04:00Insurance Rage<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Y'all . . . a rant is coming. &nbsp;I can't help myself. &nbsp;I need to vent.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTerqoec-Fg/V9C7Y4bL_HI/AAAAAAAAFQs/V6guScwcPu4zGjrCRvFnz4kkbmvf0mo6wCLcB/s1600/tumblr_nu5ilfDdpV1u2pphqo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTerqoec-Fg/V9C7Y4bL_HI/AAAAAAAAFQs/V6guScwcPu4zGjrCRvFnz4kkbmvf0mo6wCLcB/s640/tumblr_nu5ilfDdpV1u2pphqo1_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I know I can't be the only one that just shakes her head about the state of the healthcare and insurance industries in our country these days. &nbsp;I go from being totally&nbsp;disgusted, to having the full&nbsp;on rage, to really just being&nbsp;saddened&nbsp;by the state of&nbsp;affairs. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">To be honest, I'm not super well educated on Obamacare, the healthcare industry or the insurance industry. &nbsp;What I am well educated about is how much it costs our family, what level of service we receive based on what insurance dictates, and how doctors make choices based on whether they will get paid for services . . . regardless of whether it's in the best interest of the patient. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">As a for instance, let's discuss my recent doctor visit. &nbsp;My appointment was for my bi-annual breast ultrasounds, or so I thought. &nbsp;I see my very friendly doctor and everything is going along as per usual. &nbsp;S</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">he reviewed my mammogram films and felt me up . . . pretty thoroughly I might add. Then she lets me know I can sit up, shakes my hand very sweetly and tells me to have a nice day. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdlsDyyh38w/V9DA9ujd8hI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/xRN3WVssmIgxzC_EIhHFWhjFDeNlco_PwCLcB/s1600/Vqmm_f-maxage-0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdlsDyyh38w/V9DA9ujd8hI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/xRN3WVssmIgxzC_EIhHFWhjFDeNlco_PwCLcB/s640/Vqmm_f-maxage-0.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I look at her all confused and ask if I'm getting my ultrasounds . . . because last I heard that was the point of being there. &nbsp;Well guess what? &nbsp;I am no longer allowed to get those twice a year . . . insurance says once a year will suffice. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It should be noted that my mammogram films were already reviewed by a radiologist, and I've already received the letter that they were normal. &nbsp;Listen, when it comes to things like this, you just can't hear the word normal too many times . . . but come on, does having them read twice seem efficient? &nbsp;I'm going with a big fat no.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Why have I been getting bi-annual ultrasounds? &nbsp;Oh, I don't know . . . maybe because both my <i>grandmother and mother survived breast cancer and because it doesn't involve <b>radiation</b>. &nbsp;</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Come on. &nbsp;Why wouldn't insurance want to me to get them more often? &nbsp;Wouldn't it be a whole lot cheaper to treat cancer when it's caught early versus waiting until it has done more damage? &nbsp;Not that I'm assuming I'm getting cancer, but you know what I mean. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps I should also point out that the f'ing insurance company doesn't even pay for my ultrasounds because my deductible is outrageous . . . so I write a check to the doctors office every 6 months to cover them. &nbsp;Okay, fine . . . I usually pay it over the phone with a card but stating that didn't seem to have the same umph! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8QxcJQuOWU/V9DH-LWR_DI/AAAAAAAAFRw/LkpsUVxsGroEsmL7zB6XHOHKDheM-218wCLcB/s1600/13a72-tumblr_ma2x67xd391qcwrtdo2_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8QxcJQuOWU/V9DH-LWR_DI/AAAAAAAAFRw/LkpsUVxsGroEsmL7zB6XHOHKDheM-218wCLcB/s640/13a72-tumblr_ma2x67xd391qcwrtdo2_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I may still just go ahead and have them done in the future and pay outright . . . I'm going to see how much this appointment costs me as opposed to the ones in the past and go from there. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We, as a family, pay thousands a year to have insurance that doesn't even kick in until I've spent thousands more. &nbsp;OMG. &nbsp;I can't even. &nbsp;Most companies can't afford to offer plans that don't have high deductible coverage because they are getting gouged by the insurance companies too . . . so I'm not blaming my husband's employer. &nbsp;Lucky them I guess. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Shall I go on?!? &nbsp;Why yes, yes I will.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">How about a couple of weeks ago when I take my littlest to her 11 year old check up. &nbsp;She's mentions that she can't see the board as well as she would like at school. &nbsp;I ask if they review her vision at that appointment . . . a check up . . . but alas they do not. &nbsp;The personality-less nurse asked me if I wanted them to check it and I joked, not if it's going to cost me another $40 because it's not included. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Her reply? &nbsp;"Yes, actually that sounds about right since we aren't sure insurance will pay for it." &nbsp;I look at her like she is an alien and say, "Forty dollars for you to see if she can read the Big E? &nbsp;No thank you. &nbsp;For that I'll take her to an actual eye doctor." &nbsp;Her response. &nbsp;"Okay." &nbsp;I saw red. &nbsp;I felt my body have a physical response so I just sat their quietly willing my blood pressure to go down. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7C25j0yvT2g/V9DDqmEt26I/AAAAAAAAFRI/DjHfmxa00U0h7EjL0Mh_MBgAhoR_NE4TwCLcB/s1600/tumblr_mzpxrt6zv51ql5yr7o1_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7C25j0yvT2g/V9DDqmEt26I/AAAAAAAAFRI/DjHfmxa00U0h7EjL0Mh_MBgAhoR_NE4TwCLcB/s640/tumblr_mzpxrt6zv51ql5yr7o1_400.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Side note about that appointment since I'm letting it all out . . . my daughter was stressed out about getting her 11 year old shots, as most kids would be. &nbsp;They doctor leaves and tells her the nurse will return to give them to her. &nbsp;After more than 15 minutes and me sticking my head out of the door twice, the nurse shows up to give her shots. &nbsp;Who freaking leaves a child sitting in a room stressing over her shots for that long?!? &nbsp;I'd switch to a different office, but they are all the same. &nbsp;We switched to this one feeling like we weren't getting treated like we wanted at a previous office. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I am ever so thankful that my children are older and less prone to illness. &nbsp;I am also so thankful that when they were little and we were going through the asthma and ear infection stages that we had better insurance with a copay. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The doctor mentions in Amanda's appointment that she didn't have any sick visits since her last appointment. &nbsp;I told her that's because it was way more affordable to take my children to an urgent care and pay a flat fee than to come to their office and pay their negotiated rates. &nbsp;She had no comment. &nbsp;Shocker. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex-SotSaFF8/V9DEB421OyI/AAAAAAAAFRM/sNX-Xq0y3OU2Jh1cgz0iWR8ljeffDLnXgCLcB/s1600/large.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ex-SotSaFF8/V9DEB421OyI/AAAAAAAAFRM/sNX-Xq0y3OU2Jh1cgz0iWR8ljeffDLnXgCLcB/s640/large.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Anything else you ask? &nbsp;Yes, how about this one . . . don't mind if I do.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So back in the winter and within days of each other, both <a href="http://www.getzgirlonfire.com/2016/02/health-is-wealth.html" target="_blank">Kyle </a>and <a href="http://www.getzgirlonfire.com/2016/02/weekend-happenings.html" target="_blank">Amanda </a>had to have X-rays from school related incidents. &nbsp;We went to the area children's hospital urgent care located near us. I was super impressed with the facility and everyone we encountered there was fabulous . . . just thought I'd throw that in there. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We saw a different doctor for each visit but for about the same length of time . . . less than 5 minutes for sure. &nbsp;The only differences between the appointments were that the wait time was longer for Kyle . . . and it was his arm and Amanda's leg. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So the bills for each visit come within days of each other. &nbsp;And guess what? &nbsp;Kyle's was over $200 more than Amanda's. &nbsp;Why would this be unless an arm literally costs more than a leg . . . which seems counter intuitive, right?</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kocCQqKV6sc/V9DFHtQ4waI/AAAAAAAAFRY/pXmaHMMm_woFLXsttokmfmQcfWjouOTywCLcB/s1600/nene-leakes-expensive-gif-straightfromthea.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kocCQqKV6sc/V9DFHtQ4waI/AAAAAAAAFRY/pXmaHMMm_woFLXsttokmfmQcfWjouOTywCLcB/s640/nene-leakes-expensive-gif-straightfromthea.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So I call and it turns out the doctor's coded the length of the visits differently. &nbsp;Amanda's coded it for a 20 minute appointment, but Kyle's coded it as a 40 minute appointment . . . that's an expensive 20 minute difference. &nbsp;I explain that they length of time we saw the doctor was basically equal . . . we just waited longer for Kyle to be seen. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So this gets sent up to the powers that be for discussion and a decision. &nbsp;Thankfully they realized that both appoints should have been coded as 20 minutes, the lower amount. &nbsp;They patient advocate I dealt with was fabulous . . . beyond fabulous. &nbsp;She instructed me not to pay Kyle's until it was corrected, and I got a new bill. &nbsp;He was seen on February 3rd . . . I still haven't received a corrected bill. &nbsp;It's been 7 months. &nbsp;No seriously, take your time. &nbsp;I'll wait.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_9dF-SjQkM/V9DKQACj0XI/AAAAAAAAFR4/FmIJizt-8Uwibljcjx1G12BLh44-MbJqQCLcB/s1600/4998046.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_9dF-SjQkM/V9DKQACj0XI/AAAAAAAAFR4/FmIJizt-8Uwibljcjx1G12BLh44-MbJqQCLcB/s640/4998046.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">If I didn't have the "benefit" of both children having injuries within days of each other, I wouldn't have known to call and argue the amount for Kyle's bill. &nbsp;How often is this happening? &nbsp;Probably more than we'd like to know. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">You guys. &nbsp;Don't even get me started on over prescribing of medicines. &nbsp;Doctors don't have time to look for the root of the problem . . . they have to see more patients to get paid . . . by the insurance companies. &nbsp;What a vicious cycle. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I should point out that I really do like our doctors . . . I think they are good people who are equally as frustrated by the state of affairs as I am. &nbsp;I'm sure doctors endure the years of school and hard work because they want to help people . . . but I also suspect the paperwork and legality ties their hands a lot of times. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Are others as angry as me? &nbsp;How many upstanding, tax paying citizens make unfortunate healthcare decisions based on the outrageous costs these days? &nbsp;Gah. &nbsp;I could take a more political route on this topic, but I have no desire to debate politics here. &nbsp;Good day sir.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvUpDWZsnWQ/V9DGWx5GU_I/AAAAAAAAFRg/_Sk376PfB_YVqKmdG0UXFX8QrT5usNSCACLcB/s1600/1HWQIPa.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WvUpDWZsnWQ/V9DGWx5GU_I/AAAAAAAAFRg/_Sk376PfB_YVqKmdG0UXFX8QrT5usNSCACLcB/s640/1HWQIPa.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It may sound&nbsp;defeatist, but this is all big business and&nbsp;the little people making rational sense are not going to be heard. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I could go on and on with my rant, but what purpose will it serve? &nbsp;I need to let it go, ignore the stupidity of it all and work on keeping my blood pressure at a normal level . . . Lord knows I would like to avoid going to the doctor. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Okay rant over. &nbsp;I'm not sure if I feel better or not, but I think it's time to go hug a puppy and have a margarita! &nbsp;Or three. &nbsp;Cheers! &nbsp;</span>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-4965476999143259962016-09-06T10:50:00.001-04:002016-09-06T10:50:16.916-04:00Three Things I Can't Live Without<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6D1f45D3Js/V83rihqb-JI/AAAAAAAArOw/mMgv_LxJfWc3w18HZOiUrnshSt2G4bYAgCLcB/s640/show%2Band%2Btell%2Bthree%2Bthings.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I thought it would be fun to do a Show &amp; Tell link up today to change things up a bit . . . check out <a href="http://www.momfessionals.com/" target="_blank">Momfessionals</a>!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It goes without saying that I can't live without my family, my friends and my dogs. &nbsp;Those are obvious and boring so let's go with a more light-hearted approach. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>ONE</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lip Balm . . . I am addicted. &nbsp;Specifically to this one . . . it's my absolute favorite although any Burt's Bees 'flavor' will do. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for burt's bees menthol lip balm review" height="640" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/79/28/50/01/0079285001932_500X500.jpg" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know they, whoever, "they" are, say that lip balm is addicting and you know what? &nbsp;That is absolutely correct. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have them stashed every where . . . in my car, in my purse, in my wallet, in my nightstand, in my desk, in Getzy's desk . . . any where that is convenient because I <i>need</i> it all the time. &nbsp;I can't sleep unless I put it on either. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Getzy ususally hooks me up with a bunch in my stocking at Christmas so there is no fear I'll run out. &nbsp;In fact, Amanda just bought a two pack and gave me one as a surprise! &nbsp;I was legit excited!! &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>TWO</u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amazon Prime . . . it is the best thing in the history of ever. &nbsp;I fought the good fight and didn't get this for awhile because I thought the $99 annual fee was stupid. &nbsp;But I promise you . . . it's worth every penny. &nbsp;I was stupid for doubting them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZaxGMQeFR4/V87L5nPSPmI/AAAAAAAAFP8/cQ91HqVKfyEBn4-DWAuGTJZkDsK0lGlawCLcB/s1600/amazon-prime-membership.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZaxGMQeFR4/V87L5nPSPmI/AAAAAAAAFP8/cQ91HqVKfyEBn4-DWAuGTJZkDsK0lGlawCLcB/s640/amazon-prime-membership.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes you order stuff, and it will show up THAT day. &nbsp;It is some serious voodoo magic. &nbsp;Lots of times I'll be out shopping and will look up the Amazon price as compared to the store price. Many a time I have 'proceeded to checkout' while staring at an item on the shelf because the Amazon price was cheaper, and I know I'll have it within a day or so. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I have been know to loan out my prime privileges to others, kind of like a public service because I'm a giver. &nbsp;Also because I feel sorry for you for not having Prime. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Honestly I think it saves me money because if a kid needs something like shampoo, I'll just hit up Amazon . . . click boom and it's on the way. &nbsp;If I go to Target, I'll saunter the aisles and the most random, unnecessary shit will end up in my cart. &nbsp;On accident. &nbsp;So yeah, love me some Prime. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">THREE</span></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Sunglasses . . . these are also a real problem. &nbsp;I have to have them in my car, in my purse, in our other cars and in the house for when I have to take the dog out. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8sleAFk4xA/V87SV_0taGI/AAAAAAAAFQM/nptAXBRSJ1g9xCKAflKErn2LES_JQ159wCLcB/s1600/Sunglasses.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8sleAFk4xA/V87SV_0taGI/AAAAAAAAFQM/nptAXBRSJ1g9xCKAflKErn2LES_JQ159wCLcB/s640/Sunglasses.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I usually have a pair on my head and then will panic looking for them. &nbsp;Sometimes I have a pair on my head and a pair on my face. &nbsp;Guess it's good to have a back up. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have light eyes so the&nbsp;optometrist&nbsp;says we have to be extra careful&nbsp;because we have less protective melanin pigments. &nbsp;So basically I have a professional telling me to buy fancy sunglasses. &nbsp;That may be slightly interpretive, but I am careful to follow doctor's orders, obviously.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm supposed to only do three but I feel a few things deserve honorable mentions . . .</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunscreen</b> - the higher the SPF, the better</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Epsom Salt baths</b> - nothing is more relaxing</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Coffee</b> - duh</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Eye cream</b> - nobody's got time for wrinkles</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Margaritas</b> - self explanatory</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>My Kindle</b> - reading anywhere, night or day</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Internet</b> - because I remember encyclopedias and actual maps</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What about you? &nbsp;Got any must haves that I need to get in on? &nbsp;Tell me all the things!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-81780236719064226292016-09-01T13:28:00.002-04:002016-09-01T13:36:05.204-04:00What's New with You?<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Today is September first . . . break out all the fall things and color me excited! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSglGKbzqmA/V8gKrpWHpSI/AAAAAAAAFM0/iJtKmMdEd90WA5mWrofQwP6_kixwm06GwCLcB/s1600/AutumnScenewithpumpkins.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSglGKbzqmA/V8gKrpWHpSI/AAAAAAAAFM0/iJtKmMdEd90WA5mWrofQwP6_kixwm06GwCLcB/s640/AutumnScenewithpumpkins.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">From now until Christmas day is my absolute most favorite time of the year. &nbsp;I'm ready for cooler temperatures which means jeans to cover my 'never will be tan' legs, scarves to hide a few extra rolls and wrinkles, and the chance to wear my new booties and feel trendy even though I'm not . . . huh, these reasons seem a little suspect. &nbsp;I am also excited for warm fires, snuggling under blankets, decorating for the holidays, all the cinnamon things and a lower electric bill. &nbsp;There, that's better. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We made it through the first month of school . . . I think we all deserve some sort of award. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Ryan got to enjoy his first high school football games where he sat in the student section, and he did great in his first Cross Country race. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UrNrJXJNHg/V8gdKoMHfeI/AAAAAAAAFNE/qxJp2sMhcjYMKdu7RE5wI8PUJFghoDUqACLcB/s1600/R%2BXC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UrNrJXJNHg/V8gdKoMHfeI/AAAAAAAAFNE/qxJp2sMhcjYMKdu7RE5wI8PUJFghoDUqACLcB/s640/R%2BXC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Amanda had fun at her first school dance with her friends . . . mostly the 6th graders ran around like it was PE. &nbsp;By the way, I love those girls with her . . . such great friends. &nbsp;She asked me not to post these because the pictures weren't clear but it's all I have, and she'll appreciate it when she's older. &nbsp;Oh, and don't give me sass when I ask for another photo . . . there's that. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GfEjhuXkGA/V8g07ZmJuKI/AAAAAAAAFNU/T61U3-16GfA19Hz4yPQSM9rtDHAs8U-2gCLcB/s1600/A%2Bdance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0GfEjhuXkGA/V8g07ZmJuKI/AAAAAAAAFNU/T61U3-16GfA19Hz4yPQSM9rtDHAs8U-2gCLcB/s640/A%2Bdance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And Kyle is rocking all his classes with one exception . . . he's the lucky&nbsp;recipient</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;of a Spanish tutor. I didn't get a picture of that but this pretty much sums him up.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--vqjLbzpRts/V8g2IyKB94I/AAAAAAAAFNg/2ZtWcJ8GXdUE0Kq3lZ127Uy9jMA0ueIKgCLcB/s1600/Spanish.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--vqjLbzpRts/V8g2IyKB94I/AAAAAAAAFNg/2ZtWcJ8GXdUE0Kq3lZ127Uy9jMA0ueIKgCLcB/s640/Spanish.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My boys had their scout Court of Honor recently and earned some more merit badges. &nbsp;I get oddly excited looking at their sash full of badges . . . they, however, could give a rat. &nbsp;They kind of look like yahoos here . . . it is what it is. &nbsp;I will say I about lost my mind on those scouts who couldn't sit still and shut up during the giving out of awards. &nbsp;I threatened my children so they kept it together . . . I made angry mom eyes at several others. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozX3-SWvfVE/V8g3Oy1K0sI/AAAAAAAAFNs/0BZXm0OaGgcw6wQ2I8di0eBxiyJS29FtACLcB/s1600/Court%2Bof%2BHonor%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozX3-SWvfVE/V8g3Oy1K0sI/AAAAAAAAFNs/0BZXm0OaGgcw6wQ2I8di0eBxiyJS29FtACLcB/s640/Court%2Bof%2BHonor%2Bedit.jpg" width="568" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Getzy and I had a little getaway this past weekend! &nbsp;I'm waiting on some pictures before I post about our shenanigans, but here's a clue!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJ1AQwpvrGM/V8g4nJypMEI/AAAAAAAAFN0/Y5pxR736Vk0Yea3goCKVi5oagZDLwhXUQCLcB/s1600/Vegas%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJ1AQwpvrGM/V8g4nJypMEI/AAAAAAAAFN0/Y5pxR736Vk0Yea3goCKVi5oagZDLwhXUQCLcB/s640/Vegas%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I bit the bullet and paid off my car recently. &nbsp;I can't stand debt, being the former accountant that I am, so the car payment had to go. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_aXsZUXcvQ/V8g8mylP_tI/AAAAAAAAFOA/2AlLIgEMkCMS-0MSivE_Qe6-OeNT4mL2ACLcB/s1600/Car%2Btitle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_aXsZUXcvQ/V8g8mylP_tI/AAAAAAAAFOA/2AlLIgEMkCMS-0MSivE_Qe6-OeNT4mL2ACLcB/s640/Car%2Btitle.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Which doesn't exactly&nbsp;coincide</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">&nbsp;with my itch to move to a bigger and more upgraded home. &nbsp;Of course the kids ask that we stay in our same community so that rules out new construction. &nbsp;We need to upgrade our house because we've been here 17 years, but it seems the bigger, more expensive, houses need those same upgrades since they were built around the same time as ours. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBHp4UOfDFM/V8hIWLWs5qI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/NvkfjdnKCIcdbdaFPMsjFSzvJSi0BIzawCLcB/s1600/5fd35623425023c990e9f28089f34bab.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBHp4UOfDFM/V8hIWLWs5qI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/NvkfjdnKCIcdbdaFPMsjFSzvJSi0BIzawCLcB/s640/5fd35623425023c990e9f28089f34bab.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So should we spend for a bigger home and then still have to make upgrades or just make the upgrades on this home and keep the smallish mortgage? &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Should I mention that this is our first home? </span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I'm worried I'm being a fool . . . someone rational talk me down from the ledge. &nbsp;I think I just want a change . . . maybe the upgrades will be enough without the hassle of a move. &nbsp;Give me some advice.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So my friend Summer sent this key chain to me because as a fellow Jeep owner, she knew I <i>needed</i> it. &nbsp;She was correct, obvs. &nbsp;Thank you my friend!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NrsJxsKqBo/V8hgI7Wsr0I/AAAAAAAAFPE/fVGjtim3dkMFprPEk46W2olGmWtdnLjsgCLcB/s1600/Jeep%2Bkey%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NrsJxsKqBo/V8hgI7Wsr0I/AAAAAAAAFPE/fVGjtim3dkMFprPEk46W2olGmWtdnLjsgCLcB/s640/Jeep%2Bkey%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of Jeep owners, somebody recently got asked if her Jeep wave photo could be used in an online parts store blog (points thumbs back at self with a smug face and attitude). Now, this may not be that exciting to you, but I'll take my wins when I get them. &nbsp;He also told me that my Jeep wave was perfectly executed, thank you very much. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.justgetit.net/blogs/jeep-wave/89857667-first-post" target="_blank">Check out the photo credits</a>! &nbsp; Baller.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_imwybOiIj0/V8hglWaM15I/AAAAAAAAFPM/enlT86CSFL0X80m1xTgE-8SwGNbWVic1QCLcB/s1600/jeepwave_968dff0b-1d1d-48b9-8844-6ebd03221c15_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_imwybOiIj0/V8hglWaM15I/AAAAAAAAFPM/enlT86CSFL0X80m1xTgE-8SwGNbWVic1QCLcB/s640/jeepwave_968dff0b-1d1d-48b9-8844-6ebd03221c15_1024x1024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Have you seen the trailer for the upcoming movie </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: x-large;">A Dog's Purpose</i><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">? &nbsp;I cried while I watched the trailer and for about 15 minutes afterwards. &nbsp;I will need a full box of tissues to take to the movies, but I just have to see it. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3NStKlpLkrc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3NStKlpLkrc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So obviously this movie has my name written all over it. &nbsp;The second dog shown is a German Shepherd. &nbsp;Gah, I die of love. &nbsp;This <strike>not so</strike> little guy turned 4 months old on August 25th. &nbsp;Yes, he will grow into his ears. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frcEEoPCsLI/V8hcHdaFTFI/AAAAAAAAFOo/RUFQ3q784rktLhBsW_kUHYrVnMJPfFJ7ACLcB/s1600/Zeus%2B4%2Bmonths%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frcEEoPCsLI/V8hcHdaFTFI/AAAAAAAAFOo/RUFQ3q784rktLhBsW_kUHYrVnMJPfFJ7ACLcB/s640/Zeus%2B4%2Bmonths%2Bedited.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Getzy has been out of town the past couple of nights so a certain cute puppy "accidentally"&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">slept in the bed with his mama. &nbsp;I swore I wasn't going to let another dog sleep in the bed, but honestly it was just fine. &nbsp;He slept at the foot of the bed and didn't care to get under the covers. &nbsp;He never once woke me up. &nbsp;Getzy got home late last night from his trip and joined us . . . didn't bother him either. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkbjQzOMbXo/V8hdFk8jYjI/AAAAAAAAFOw/KqOGGCwGFZEJGZe7KEFfMHxj-B0u5ULyQCLcB/s1600/Zeus%2Bin%2Bbed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkbjQzOMbXo/V8hdFk8jYjI/AAAAAAAAFOw/KqOGGCwGFZEJGZe7KEFfMHxj-B0u5ULyQCLcB/s640/Zeus%2Bin%2Bbed.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I suppose the potential problem is that he's only about 30 pounds right now . . . may be a different sleep story when he's pushing 100 pounds. &nbsp;But he's just so darn cute.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of cute, this blonde bombshell just got told she was fat, by a professional. &nbsp;#rude</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IYWZm1ZEFs/V8hd_ShwfxI/AAAAAAAAFO0/EahreJ-eqmorQRcwR-sjkxL3UIJn1g8ywCLcB/s1600/Abigail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IYWZm1ZEFs/V8hd_ShwfxI/AAAAAAAAFO0/EahreJ-eqmorQRcwR-sjkxL3UIJn1g8ywCLcB/s640/Abigail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">She's been limping a bit lately, and I feel like her belly and haunches seemed bigger than usual. She had me all worried so I took her to the vet. &nbsp;She got a thorough pat down and while she has a bum knee, nothing major to report. &nbsp;Her official diagnosis, as written on her check out form: &nbsp;Obesity. We left with a&nbsp;prescription&nbsp;for diet dog food. &nbsp;Listen Abby, I feel you girl.&nbsp;&nbsp;I <i>should </i>join you on the diet. &nbsp;Maybe on Monday. &nbsp;Winky face. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, that's a life lately post . . . seems that's all I can get done these days. &nbsp;I'm wise enough to know that the small stuff really is the big stuff so I'll just keep counting my blessings over here! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.seeyouinaporridge.com/" target="_blank">Kristen </a>and <a href="http://www.gretchruns.com/" target="_blank">Gretch </a>because it's more fun than not!</span><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.gretchruns.com/" rel="nofollow" title="What's New With You"><img alt="What's New With You" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_AUWj7iY_c/VqfE98-z7lI/AAAAAAAAGXs/1lHmTdwoQGc/s1600/k5.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-91467338509831712452016-08-22T07:15:00.002-04:002016-08-22T07:35:02.387-04:00Bucket List Item # 20 - Nashville with Mom<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What do I love more than a list? &nbsp;Marking things off my list . . . isn't that why us type A personalities make them? &nbsp;I'm excited to share another&nbsp;<a href="http://www.getzgirlonfire.com/p/bucket-list.html" target="_blank">50 before Fifty Bucket list</a> item! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">This was actually the first one to be completed on my list. &nbsp;I know it has taken me way too long to write about it, but I sort of have an excuse . . . I'll explain at the end! &nbsp;Oh, and I also need to get this done because I'm accomplishing at least two more bucket list items later this week! &nbsp;So exciting!!!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9rh2Brxu-M/V7hHAqVy7dI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/tRtjgpOg8Fc8AXAtwWMyoYLC50FhIyxbgCLcB/s1600/Nashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F9rh2Brxu-M/V7hHAqVy7dI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/tRtjgpOg8Fc8AXAtwWMyoYLC50FhIyxbgCLcB/s640/Nashville.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My mom came for a visit in early April and after spending a week with the family, we took off for our own little mini vacation to Nashville. &nbsp;I've been to Nashville a couple of times before, and the town just makes me think of my mom. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I grew up listening to country music, watching Hee Haw and with a dad who wore cowboy boots and drove a big truck. &nbsp;Let me just say, I could get used to being in Nashville. &nbsp;In order to enhance your experience, I think you need to listen to this song while you read. &nbsp;I'll explain later!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fefu8tca4EY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fefu8tca4EY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It would appear that it is difficult for me to just drive to my actual destination without making a roadside attraction stop. &nbsp;So how about a boozy tour first thing in the morning at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.georgedickel.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">George Dickel Distillery</a>!&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpbZz75jWjo/VwxZueequaI/AAAAAAAAEh4/2HvK4Ts_LXgzacdqMtosDpUXVlwj0Hn8wCLcB/s1600/George%2BDickel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MpbZz75jWjo/VwxZueequaI/AAAAAAAAEh4/2HvK4Ts_LXgzacdqMtosDpUXVlwj0Hn8wCLcB/s640/George%2BDickel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It was a bit off the path, but worth the extra time. &nbsp;Neither mom nor I drink whiskey, but it's fun to see the process of how it's made. &nbsp;A cool fact about George Dickel is that it's still all hand made . . . there weren't even computers in the actual Distillery. &nbsp;And the area was absolutely gorgeous!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbQFxk5gl5I/V7SZ9wwFF0I/AAAAAAAAFHQ/mb4agP9ZIswDoZmC1G1_0Vz6pzSi64qxgCLcB/s1600/George%2BDickel%2BProperty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbQFxk5gl5I/V7SZ9wwFF0I/AAAAAAAAFHQ/mb4agP9ZIswDoZmC1G1_0Vz6pzSi64qxgCLcB/s640/George%2BDickel%2BProperty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">On the way back to the interstate, I took mom to the cutest little town called Bell Buckle, TN. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izPBrzLUhtc/V7SYwO_shQI/AAAAAAAAFHE/JEf9qZvldUUAAbj5w8NnC5zqkqFByoqBQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izPBrzLUhtc/V7SYwO_shQI/AAAAAAAAFHE/JEf9qZvldUUAAbj5w8NnC5zqkqFByoqBQCLcB/s640/IMG_8576.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We browsed some little antique shops and had a delicious southern lunch at the Bell Buckle Cafe . . . here's some terrible photos to document the noms and cute shops</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tcubXOgXZcI/V7SbbU6EUmI/AAAAAAAAFHc/R1NjEm2GkEsXt3_q0KIbhJ3hKXsiTFZxwCLcB/s1600/Bell%2BBuckle%2BTennessee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tcubXOgXZcI/V7SbbU6EUmI/AAAAAAAAFHc/R1NjEm2GkEsXt3_q0KIbhJ3hKXsiTFZxwCLcB/s640/Bell%2BBuckle%2BTennessee.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I'm a detailed planner so we had to hit a couple tourist stop before they closed prior to checking into our hotel. &nbsp;First stop was the historical <a href="http://ryman.com/" target="_blank">Ryman Auditorium</a>. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LnuttUY8rYU/V7SosGBXvWI/AAAAAAAAFHs/_u7joqM_004VMiwJZNp8p36T8P7UBvaEwCLcB/s1600/Ryman%2BAud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LnuttUY8rYU/V7SosGBXvWI/AAAAAAAAFHs/_u7joqM_004VMiwJZNp8p36T8P7UBvaEwCLcB/s640/Ryman%2BAud.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Mom has always loved country music so of course she'd want to see the "mother church of country music!" &nbsp;We first watched a great interactive movie and were then able to leisurely check out the main exhibits. &nbsp;The back stage tickets were sold out for the day . . . bummer. &nbsp;I honestly think this is overpriced for what you get, but it's kind of a must see in Nashville so it is what it is. &nbsp;I'd really love to see a concert here though . . . it would be a very intimate venue, and there's not a bad seat in the house. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Next stop was the <a href="http://www.antiquearchaeology.com/" target="_blank">Antique Archaeology</a> Nashville store. &nbsp;My mom loves to watch the show American Pickers so this was a must see on our tour de Nashville. &nbsp;She now has me watching that show, and I have way too many accumulated on my DVR.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtDrH1BP1sE/V7S8AJ_XyxI/AAAAAAAAFH8/p0dxKkH-9DEpw2F8AbNnvaq-dPaXN6IrACLcB/s1600/Antique%2BArch%2BNashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtDrH1BP1sE/V7S8AJ_XyxI/AAAAAAAAFH8/p0dxKkH-9DEpw2F8AbNnvaq-dPaXN6IrACLcB/s640/Antique%2BArch%2BNashville.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I warned her this was a bit of a letdown, but said we should do it anyway . . . just so she could agree. &nbsp;And she did. &nbsp;Although it is fun to see things they picked on TV in the store, so there's that. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We had to get ready for our Grand Ole Opry show so we headed to our hotel to check in . . . the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/" target="_blank">Gaylord Opryland Hotel</a>. &nbsp;This is where I always stay in Nashville. &nbsp;It's simply beautiful . . . the indoor gardens and water features are so tranquil . . . the huge crowds of people, not so much. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3H46nLLbDw/V7WWBcj3XLI/AAAAAAAAFIM/escucST8MR49Q018cGPvPL2KNfe--MK3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_8589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3H46nLLbDw/V7WWBcj3XLI/AAAAAAAAFIM/escucST8MR49Q018cGPvPL2KNfe--MK3QCLcB/s640/IMG_8589.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Did I mention my mom hates to pose for pictures? &nbsp;I'm not a huge fan myself . . . apparently it's genetic. &nbsp;But seriously, doesn't she look simply amazing for 73 years old? &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The most exciting adventure of our trip was a visit to the <a href="http://www.opry.com/" target="_blank">Grand Ole Opry</a>! &nbsp;Obviously this is a country music staple. &nbsp;It's so easy to just hop a bus from the Gaylord, and it takes you right to the Grand Ole Opry House!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l889ndBwCLg/V7Wda_Brg7I/AAAAAAAAFIc/QiCgQjnGSQYLDKlGQz6hyVOCTo2JIz40QCLcB/s1600/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l889ndBwCLg/V7Wda_Brg7I/AAAAAAAAFIc/QiCgQjnGSQYLDKlGQz6hyVOCTo2JIz40QCLcB/s640/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It was chilly and windy the night we were there so we didn't linger outside. &nbsp;We checked out the shops, and mom bought a poster to remember the night!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-s8bRC5LoQ/V7WeOCcGIDI/AAAAAAAAFIk/c1RTlMXk2BcYvC04xunHczTLpYjORU4VwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a-s8bRC5LoQ/V7WeOCcGIDI/AAAAAAAAFIk/c1RTlMXk2BcYvC04xunHczTLpYjORU4VwCLcB/s640/IMG_8594.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Not having listened to country music really since I was a kid, I wasn't too familiar with the acts for the evening, but mama was and she was most excited to see Josh Turner. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Lo2BXTRORs/V7WusHDUfOI/AAAAAAAAFI0/6D5__PVaqJ8PBmbIUyLygpqmgX3Glr6twCLcB/s1600/Josh%2BTurner%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Lo2BXTRORs/V7WusHDUfOI/AAAAAAAAFI0/6D5__PVaqJ8PBmbIUyLygpqmgX3Glr6twCLcB/s640/Josh%2BTurner%2BGrand%2BOle%2BOpry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Now I know why! &nbsp;Holy Moly his voice. &nbsp;Did you listen to that song above? &nbsp;This handsome, young, thin fellow has the deepest, strongest voice. &nbsp;He just seemed so kind and down to earth &nbsp;. . . that's what I love about country music artists . . . no fuss, no muss. &nbsp;Just gold old country boys. &nbsp;And boots. &nbsp;I do love some cowboy boots on a man, but I digress.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to do the after show backstage tour, but it was sold out so we opted to do one first thing in the morning since it was so close to us!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPnkybjHeAo/V7YSuqnOJKI/AAAAAAAAFJE/m1-Fj5AcqiEmaf6aKvFIMnFbluK3JrqQwCLcB/s1600/Mom%2Band%2BI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPnkybjHeAo/V7YSuqnOJKI/AAAAAAAAFJE/m1-Fj5AcqiEmaf6aKvFIMnFbluK3JrqQwCLcB/s640/Mom%2Band%2BI.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I love a tour, and I think the one at the Grand Ole Opry is great! &nbsp;It's fun to hear the history and see where "the magic happens" behind the scenes. &nbsp;Mom really enjoyed it as well!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-w5nGI9-Vw/V7g9aafPZvI/AAAAAAAAFJU/L-kH9PULNMwvzP-IO9DHEXrvFDyJTLNhgCLcB/s1600/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%2Binside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-w5nGI9-Vw/V7g9aafPZvI/AAAAAAAAFJU/L-kH9PULNMwvzP-IO9DHEXrvFDyJTLNhgCLcB/s640/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%2Binside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">She also loves the show Nashville which is filmed at the studios located at the Opry so that was cool too.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tywC0wd128M/V7g9gK2FXfI/AAAAAAAAFJY/hg-ykH3pF2Ah5hYaCDbYWvJyeG4Gv3toACLcB/s1600/IMG_8609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tywC0wd128M/V7g9gK2FXfI/AAAAAAAAFJY/hg-ykH3pF2Ah5hYaCDbYWvJyeG4Gv3toACLcB/s640/IMG_8609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I think it's exciting to see the dressing rooms . . . there are several. &nbsp;Not sure how they determine who goes where, but I'd be happy with any of them . . . check out these fun ones!&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNo0p1F2-2w/V7hBKCLMkoI/AAAAAAAAFJk/aNrFEJN2ShI_UKWzmQU4iLQcNZZCU4HdwCLcB/s1600/dressing%2Brooms%2Bat%2BOpry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNo0p1F2-2w/V7hBKCLMkoI/AAAAAAAAFJk/aNrFEJN2ShI_UKWzmQU4iLQcNZZCU4HdwCLcB/s640/dressing%2Brooms%2Bat%2BOpry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The best part is getting to go on stage and feel like a star . . . or maybe that's just me! &nbsp;I do love the history behind the show, and the wooden circle that came over from the Ryman. &nbsp;It was submerged in the terrible flood of 2010 but was fully restored. &nbsp;Opry artists have been standing on that historic piece of stage for over 7 decades . . . that's pretty cool. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1aeG-uxGrI/V7h4zGKSBYI/AAAAAAAAFKE/OQ7rSA4UligCAwdt4Ljw1-PEotK7h84IwCLcB/s1600/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%2Bstage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1aeG-uxGrI/V7h4zGKSBYI/AAAAAAAAFKE/OQ7rSA4UligCAwdt4Ljw1-PEotK7h84IwCLcB/s640/Grand%2BOle%2BOpry%2Bstage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We then headed for a walk down the infamous Broadway and made our way to the <a href="http://www.johnnycashmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Johnny Cash Museum</a>. &nbsp;It was crowded for sure, but it wasn't a very big place. &nbsp;If you love Johnny Cash, it's worth a visit. &nbsp;My dad loved Johnny Cash so I grew up listening to his music and enjoyed the walk down memory lane. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlvZD1O6llc/V7h6LluDbYI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/IQbokL5s8UsD7LHVY3dHfwaWpvdbEuLPACLcB/s1600/Johnny%2BCash%2BMuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlvZD1O6llc/V7h6LluDbYI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/IQbokL5s8UsD7LHVY3dHfwaWpvdbEuLPACLcB/s640/Johnny%2BCash%2BMuseum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">There's some great people watching in downtown Nashville . . . and some great picture spots! &nbsp;"Hey mom, stand right there!" &nbsp;She was clearly thrilled about it.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9CF3acP9Zk/V7h7Z7fFdmI/AAAAAAAAFKY/uzcMkjtXpE8RfA55DZfMKIxNDEg5IJOBQCLcB/s1600/mom%2Bpics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9CF3acP9Zk/V7h7Z7fFdmI/AAAAAAAAFKY/uzcMkjtXpE8RfA55DZfMKIxNDEg5IJOBQCLcB/s640/mom%2Bpics.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Lunchtime arrived so we had to make a decision on where to get some grub. &nbsp;I see a place I've never been and think it will be perfect for my mom . . . as I laugh inside. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cepnTSXMQ3c/V7iBRXeiItI/AAAAAAAAFKo/OjH0PLX0q4Qaty4SrdOUuQ2BgbIzFtmMACLcB/s1600/Coyote%2BUgly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cepnTSXMQ3c/V7iBRXeiItI/AAAAAAAAFKo/OjH0PLX0q4Qaty4SrdOUuQ2BgbIzFtmMACLcB/s640/Coyote%2BUgly.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Honestly my mom is game for whatever. &nbsp;That is one, among many, of the things I love about her. She just goes with the flow. &nbsp;So we sidle up to the bar . . . apparently midday is not the high time as we were basically the only ones in there. &nbsp;Shocker, I know. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnIoMe0leCQ/V7iCsuhc4JI/AAAAAAAAFKw/mXURNUqI6fQnxvUhI7ATFC_7TUvzCT5ywCLcB/s1600/IMG_8633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnIoMe0leCQ/V7iCsuhc4JI/AAAAAAAAFKw/mXURNUqI6fQnxvUhI7ATFC_7TUvzCT5ywCLcB/s640/IMG_8633.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Mom ordered her ever present Diet Coke . . . Cheers! &nbsp;As you can imagine, the food was terrible, but the bartender was a sweet girl and the music was fabulous! &nbsp;And now we get to say we've been there . . . nobody needs to know it was empty and there wasn't any bar dancing!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsR_gFjw2g4/V7iEktpkoqI/AAAAAAAAFK8/iSumv3mKHvI9NRtVNiP7O_KF35XcyR1iQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DsR_gFjw2g4/V7iEktpkoqI/AAAAAAAAFK8/iSumv3mKHvI9NRtVNiP7O_KF35XcyR1iQCLcB/s640/IMG_8634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I was most excited about our adventure for the afternoon . . . because clearly I'm so classy. &nbsp;We were taking a <a href="http://www.nashtrash.com/" target="_blank">Nash Trash Tour</a> on the infamous pink bus!!! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVWyNBmIllo/V7iJKriJt7I/AAAAAAAAFLI/VN4vdprfKxEW3NIOE1oxolNh3776MtkYgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVWyNBmIllo/V7iJKriJt7I/AAAAAAAAFLI/VN4vdprfKxEW3NIOE1oxolNh3776MtkYgCLcB/s640/IMG_8635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">The "original" tour was sold out so we got to enjoy the Pip's Music Row Confidential option! &nbsp; Meet Steve Pippen, or Pip!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVgUnXEvlG8/V7iKzvlnJ0I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/QAPKtmkrxCo_hZ-rrtVDcQU8R46YD4gQwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVgUnXEvlG8/V7iKzvlnJ0I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/QAPKtmkrxCo_hZ-rrtVDcQU8R46YD4gQwCLcB/s640/IMG_8643.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He was such a lovely gentleman with so much history and knowledge of the Nashville music scene! Of course I sat right in the front so I could hear all the details! &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0GMOqjUWOQ/V7nkNblbtAI/AAAAAAAAFLk/-B63BlwcrAY__uf-Wg2BibeA6ONscTqSACLcB/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0GMOqjUWOQ/V7nkNblbtAI/AAAAAAAAFLk/-B63BlwcrAY__uf-Wg2BibeA6ONscTqSACLcB/s640/IMG_8641.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We stopped during the tour at a cool restaurant called The Row and enjoyed a bus break and a little mid day "snack!" &nbsp;It was so cool that I brought mom back here for dinner that night!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTOHIQ4zd7I/V7nx8KSyATI/AAAAAAAAFL0/rZv-aOcyvWEPmVU-yvmoFbVgtYLc74KjACLcB/s1600/The%2BRow%2BNashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTOHIQ4zd7I/V7nx8KSyATI/AAAAAAAAFL0/rZv-aOcyvWEPmVU-yvmoFbVgtYLc74KjACLcB/s640/The%2BRow%2BNashville.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">They seriously had one of the best margaritas ever, and the hamburger with pimento cheese was so good! &nbsp;We were tired so we headed back to the hotel to rest after dinner! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We checked out the next morning and headed over to the Country Music Hall of Fame! &nbsp;This place is fabulous and is such a cool museum. &nbsp;I was excited to bring mom here. &nbsp;We had a nice time browsing, but we were ready to head home. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwwUkEEGK1c/V7o9FsdNj4I/AAAAAAAAFME/yTjc0xZhujAsYUECkJbEe1jqaF7bR8XBwCLcB/s1600/Country%2BHall%2Bof%2BFam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwwUkEEGK1c/V7o9FsdNj4I/AAAAAAAAFME/yTjc0xZhujAsYUECkJbEe1jqaF7bR8XBwCLcB/s640/Country%2BHall%2Bof%2BFam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So here's where life got interesting for us. &nbsp;I noticed things just seemed off with my mom . . . in fact she seemed more low key than usual the whole trip. &nbsp;I even wondered if these trips were just too much for her to handle any more. &nbsp;On the walk back to our car, she got super winded just walking up one city block . . . in fact, we had to stop to let her catch her breath. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We make it back to Georgia Monday afternoon and mom left to head home to Virginia the next day. &nbsp;I talked to her husband after she made it home, and he said the drive had been hard on her. Apparently she rested most of the following day and was not herself. &nbsp; &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well that night mom&nbsp;accidentally&nbsp;called me on her way up the stairs to her bedroom . . . she had the phone in her hand climbing the steps. She could hardly breath. &nbsp;I freaked out and tried to get her to go to the ER, but she refused because it was late. &nbsp;We hung up and I called her husband on the home phone to make sure he kept an eye on her and got her to the doctor the next day. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">It turns out my mom had multiple blood clots in her lungs and one in her leg. &nbsp;You guys. &nbsp;I thought my heart was going to fall out of my chest. &nbsp;No wonder she hadn't been acting like herself. Thankfully she was safe and sound at the hospital and was going to be fine. &nbsp;I hate that I couldn't be there for her . . . that's the worst part about living far away. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I'm happy to report that she is doing fabulous now! &nbsp;Praise the sweet baby Jesus. &nbsp;Her parting gift from the hospital was a life long supply of blood thinners. &nbsp;She's not a big medicine taker so she wasn't excited about this, but if it keeps her safe and sound, so be it. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So needless to say, mom having health struggles rocked my world. &nbsp;She is so good to me and my family. &nbsp;She's the best listener . . . I can talk to her about anything and she always understands. She's the least judgmental person I know. &nbsp;She truly is my friend. &nbsp;I am ever so thankful we get to take our adventures together, and I'm looking forward to the next one.&nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzfQBR7yheQ/V7raLfmPWyI/AAAAAAAAFMc/Xp0KRHMSGpwSpAXvZaG-fBqtxPmqQ5q4ACLcB/s1600/il_570xN.765323430_4zqc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mzfQBR7yheQ/V7raLfmPWyI/AAAAAAAAFMc/Xp0KRHMSGpwSpAXvZaG-fBqtxPmqQ5q4ACLcB/s640/il_570xN.765323430_4zqc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-86207518935050566852016-08-15T06:25:00.000-04:002016-08-15T06:41:25.525-04:00Catching up on things . . .<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I can't say the weekend was much to write about so I thought I'd catch up on the happenings at the Getz homestead the past couple of weeks. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QHKonpjZto/V7Cw497beaI/AAAAAAAAFD4/Br954bgPKUQP-H-l3jqatOw4011e7dMEgCLcB/s1600/tumblr_m73xzxlvrP1qm9xzzo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QHKonpjZto/V7Cw497beaI/AAAAAAAAFD4/Br954bgPKUQP-H-l3jqatOw4011e7dMEgCLcB/s640/tumblr_m73xzxlvrP1qm9xzzo1_500.gif" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Let's see . . . I'll start with the oldest. &nbsp;He recovered like a boss from his <a href="http://www.getzgirlonfire.com/2016/07/somebody-got-frenectomy.html" target="_blank">frenectomy </a>. . . he didn't use any pain meds and never complained about the bandage that had to stay wedged between his braces and top gum for 8 days. &nbsp;He was happy to have it out though!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpBYwA0Qu-M/V7CzuXys-5I/AAAAAAAAFEI/1-IWrhqo4Mo_VfkvHScF2_CVpQ9M6Zr_wCLcB/s1600/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QpBYwA0Qu-M/V7CzuXys-5I/AAAAAAAAFEI/1-IWrhqo4Mo_VfkvHScF2_CVpQ9M6Zr_wCLcB/s640/R.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">I cannot resist this kid . . . he is so smart and funny. &nbsp;He has me cracking up on the regular!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Cross Country practice started the first day of school . . . they don't mess around in high school sports apparently. &nbsp;I do love that he just stays after, and I go get him between 5 and 5:30 every day . . . we've never had that because our middle schools don't have sports teams. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Any way, that kid comes home hungry, hot and tired. &nbsp;He eats a snack, showers and then starts on homework until dinner. &nbsp;His classes are no joke either . . . he's got Biotechnology, Geometry, Leadership and World Geography. &nbsp;Yeah, hope he doesn't need any help with homework because I'm out. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NE6ddgHIKv4/V7C0LgozUII/AAAAAAAAFEM/iU86HumG6oUqlBcHw183gq7Bt-wO3h-hgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NE6ddgHIKv4/V7C0LgozUII/AAAAAAAAFEM/iU86HumG6oUqlBcHw183gq7Bt-wO3h-hgCLcB/s640/IMG_1148.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Time trials were this past week so we went to get some new running shoes, and I finally caved to the cross country spikes. &nbsp;His school colors are orange and blue so these were perfect! &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D51s-w5CDE4/V7C0j686xQI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/v6SLCumsAoY_o1jId7keLpz1vU2y5WtVgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D51s-w5CDE4/V7C0j686xQI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/v6SLCumsAoY_o1jId7keLpz1vU2y5WtVgCLcB/s640/IMG_1142.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Ryan never ask for anything . . . if he wants new shoes, he gets new shoes.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">We were so proud of his showing at the time trials . . . he was the 15th boy to cross the finish line. Top 10 run varsity at the next race so 15th was pretty awesome for a freshman! &nbsp;Why yes, I'm bragging on my kid, thank you very much!!! &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkUHw2nUpH8/V7EqoqDAszI/AAAAAAAAFGs/MjILngBjEoAncMJPF6jDbfqES52bzUW8gCLcB/s1600/first%2Btime%2Btrials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkUHw2nUpH8/V7EqoqDAszI/AAAAAAAAFGs/MjILngBjEoAncMJPF6jDbfqES52bzUW8gCLcB/s640/first%2Btime%2Btrials.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Don't you just love action photos?&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">This munchkin . . . she has decided instead of horseback riding, she wants to do dance this year. &nbsp;I am not a dance mom. &nbsp;I encouraged her to try different sports, but she held firm to her wish to dance. &nbsp;So, she's taking ballet, jazz and tap. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w47bDtow8F0/V7DBRydkI_I/AAAAAAAAFEg/Wolj7pN1inY-Y_6oB9LPWccfF71ciHgcgCLcB/s1600/A%2Bdance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w47bDtow8F0/V7DBRydkI_I/AAAAAAAAFEg/Wolj7pN1inY-Y_6oB9LPWccfF71ciHgcgCLcB/s640/A%2Bdance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">While I'm not a dance mom, I used to want to take dance as a kid but never got the chance. &nbsp;I'm glad she has the chance.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I suppose the good news is that it's all on the same day, and she has a friend in each class so if she's happy, I'm happy. &nbsp;Oh, and she has to do her own hair bun . . . I'm also useless for that kind of mom task. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I am a super proud mom and Girl Scout leader because all my (not so) little Junior scouts bridged up to Cadettes. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4DZ1aam_wzk/V7EmvzKrHgI/AAAAAAAAFGM/gCHS62jBge8g7F9rJe28T9HD_qUqwlDzwCLcB/s1600/Cadettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4DZ1aam_wzk/V7EmvzKrHgI/AAAAAAAAFGM/gCHS62jBge8g7F9rJe28T9HD_qUqwlDzwCLcB/s640/Cadettes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">The rainbow decor relates to themes of the Girl Scout sign and is used in bridging ceremonies. &nbsp;Just FYI. &nbsp;(Winky face)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I had nine girls earn the Bronze Award this past year which is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. &nbsp;Amanda and I are entering our 7th year of Girl Scouts together. &nbsp;I love that I now have 11 girls in my troop . . . especially during middle school years. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PovCdXO66mI/V7EoXSwl7LI/AAAAAAAAFGY/bvT9oFPavtMVcCKEXqyUwNBa6xmIxy5XACLcB/s1600/A%2Bbridging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PovCdXO66mI/V7EoXSwl7LI/AAAAAAAAFGY/bvT9oFPavtMVcCKEXqyUwNBa6xmIxy5XACLcB/s640/A%2Bbridging.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">This girl . . . always up for something new and fun! &nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And I need to give a shout out to my awesome co-leaders, Lake and Stacey, and their daughters who have stuck with us for this amazing journey. &nbsp;Plus Lake has mad cake making skills . . . I didn't have to pay a baker for this piece of art!! &nbsp;Fabulous!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPyzYjN6JGM/V7EpGDhbBjI/AAAAAAAAFGc/UsyluhPa0zUP8OoH8SYnvL3MHGgGJW6HQCLcB/s1600/Bridging%2Bto%2BCadettes%2Bcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPyzYjN6JGM/V7EpGDhbBjI/AAAAAAAAFGc/UsyluhPa0zUP8OoH8SYnvL3MHGgGJW6HQCLcB/s640/Bridging%2Bto%2BCadettes%2Bcake.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">The icing cracked with the humidity . . . man it was HOT!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">My Kyle . . . he is trying lacrosse this fall. &nbsp;This gives me pause because seriously, that sport is rough. &nbsp;He hasn't started yet so no craptastic action photos of him . . . yes, I'm aware I need to do a better job with my picture taking but well, I'm lazy. &nbsp;Iphone camera for the win. &nbsp;Ain't nobody got time to carry around a fancy camera. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlEIJSnXqqs/V7DGUR8yS0I/AAAAAAAAFEs/lV2xnga9CfYaM2TX70uJ_4tKUzD1ZYJVACLcB/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlEIJSnXqqs/V7DGUR8yS0I/AAAAAAAAFEs/lV2xnga9CfYaM2TX70uJ_4tKUzD1ZYJVACLcB/s640/IMG_1015.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">"Why are you taking a picture mom?"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Kyle's current claim to fame is Zeus' favorite litter mate. &nbsp;He always holds Zeus on our rides to school since we are trying to get him used to the car. &nbsp;But when Kyle gets home, game on. &nbsp;That puppy sees Kyle and kicks it into high gear.&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcT-oGhgMww/V7DFYXdVUjI/AAAAAAAAFEo/NJbvX21ODkwUjCWeF3zZUmLqyB2s3RCLgCEw/s1600/K%2Band%2BZeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcT-oGhgMww/V7DFYXdVUjI/AAAAAAAAFEo/NJbvX21ODkwUjCWeF3zZUmLqyB2s3RCLgCEw/s640/K%2Band%2BZeus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">I can't even with this picture . . . makes me all melty.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He chases, nips and tugs his clothes like a boss. &nbsp;Kyle just laughs and keeps playing. &nbsp;I keep trying to remind him that this may not be the best strategy for the future, but he's a rough and tumble boy playing with his dog . . . so I let it go. &nbsp;Probably not my best mothering choice. &nbsp;Speaking of bad moms . . .&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npa74z9wIIo/V7D_-r_Q7zI/AAAAAAAAFE8/noXgTocVqp8o1vMEhMmGf06xPnSO6FwTACLcB/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npa74z9wIIo/V7D_-r_Q7zI/AAAAAAAAFE8/noXgTocVqp8o1vMEhMmGf06xPnSO6FwTACLcB/s640/IMG_1066.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Take that Jessalyn! &nbsp;(Inside joke)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I joined a fun group of ladies for a night out to enjoy the Bad Moms movie! &nbsp;It is crass, completely inappropriate and hysterical. &nbsp;So I totally recommend you go see it with friends!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiNFUgU3ELA/V7EOtYOmpNI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/SnXvED9clRIphP78KR6vSDD8F5vDBQ8oACLcB/s1600/day%2Bdrinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiNFUgU3ELA/V7EOtYOmpNI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/SnXvED9clRIphP78KR6vSDD8F5vDBQ8oACLcB/s640/day%2Bdrinking.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Cheers . . . to bad moms who day drink while the kids are at school!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">And I also condone day drinking with friends . . . as long as you're not driving and will be sober when the kids get home. &nbsp;Technically I don't do this often, but once in awhile to celebrate a friend's birthday is okay. &nbsp;Right? &nbsp;Yes, that's what I'm telling myself!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I may actually need to start day drinking to deal with being a puppy owner. &nbsp;Y'all, I forgot how much work this was. &nbsp;I brought home this shy, quiet little puppy who has decided he would like to be the boss . . . of everybody. &nbsp;Sir, no sir. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpGuQtcDV7I/V7ESaNaGnQI/AAAAAAAAFFc/gcTLuuwYaHkAsOw_yO5iAy-yXBZbC_POgCLcB/s1600/Zeus%2Band%2BI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpGuQtcDV7I/V7ESaNaGnQI/AAAAAAAAFFc/gcTLuuwYaHkAsOw_yO5iAy-yXBZbC_POgCLcB/s640/Zeus%2Band%2BI.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Confession: &nbsp;This was after the day drinking . . . the mid afternoon nap. &nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I mean for reals, he is cute. &nbsp;God knew that puppies would have to be cute, or they would get voted off the family island in a matter of time. &nbsp;He is so bitey. &nbsp;Gah. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He loves to steal my dirty (eeewww) laundry and wrap himself all up in it . . . and then he rolls around happier than a clam. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4HkJ9gkCPY/V7EjBX5DL5I/AAAAAAAAFGA/0s5_Tl4HEL0NVo3UhJ2U1S1e6dBvmvZBACLcB/s1600/z%2Bwlaundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s4HkJ9gkCPY/V7EjBX5DL5I/AAAAAAAAFGA/0s5_Tl4HEL0NVo3UhJ2U1S1e6dBvmvZBACLcB/s640/z%2Bwlaundry.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Some modesty, please.</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">For the record, that's just shorts and a t-shirt.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">But then he sleeps so sweetly with me on the bed, and I forget his shortcomings. &nbsp;Would you just look at him?</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeRp6aENUio/V7EjYi5KkJI/AAAAAAAAFGE/IakfH2KzV9IlpH6H_gOZ68xzihgqmr-lQCLcB/s1600/Sleep%2Bzeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HeRp6aENUio/V7EjYi5KkJI/AAAAAAAAFGE/IakfH2KzV9IlpH6H_gOZ68xzihgqmr-lQCLcB/s640/Sleep%2Bzeus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Stop with the arms . . . and the pointy nose . . . just all of it. &nbsp;I can't stop. &nbsp;Won't stop.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So we try to tire him out. &nbsp;I'm a firm believer in that a naughty puppy is a bored puppy. &nbsp;We have started walking around the block a few times a day. &nbsp;Amanda had him running laps around a friend's backyard . . . to the point where he would nose dive in exhaustion. &nbsp;So funny!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBl3btUUu8E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NBl3btUUu8E?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I know this phase won't last forever . . . at least that's what I tell myself at 6:30 in the morning . . . on a Saturday . . . when we are up playing together. &nbsp;And then I say to myself, "I paid for this?" &nbsp;Ha!</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I feel like I need to redeem Abby's reputation after <a href="http://www.getzgirlonfire.com/2016/08/back-to-school.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> and her rather 'toothy grin.' &nbsp;She is an absolute sweetheart. &nbsp;Well, to people. &nbsp;She may try to eat small dogs for snacks, and she'd be like a dirty street fighter with any other dog. &nbsp;But with people. &nbsp;She's a lover. &nbsp;And she really does like Zeus . . . most of the time. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Could they look any more different? &nbsp;The ears . . . the midsections . . . the tails. &nbsp;I heart them so much.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrRhhFdAJcQ/V7EfaLb050I/AAAAAAAAFFw/ODwqjYMuD1EmeQBp0n4H4437_0lKZf97QCLcB/s1600/Abby%2Band%2BZeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XrRhhFdAJcQ/V7EfaLb050I/AAAAAAAAFFw/ODwqjYMuD1EmeQBp0n4H4437_0lKZf97QCLcB/s640/Abby%2Band%2BZeus.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Does anyone else think Zeus looks like a cat?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Well, dogs and kids. &nbsp;Kids and dogs. &nbsp;That's my life. &nbsp;Boring? Not to me because I know one day I WILL be bored and wishing I had kids and a puppy at home again. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGNV4YsSiIk/V7EfJy4HDXI/AAAAAAAAFFs/lDEYS_Qf99spu0yncQ7Laxso6t1-PM7uQCLcB/s1600/29c2a8d037bc43ef5ada4b96cf9ac77c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGNV4YsSiIk/V7EfJy4HDXI/AAAAAAAAFFs/lDEYS_Qf99spu0yncQ7Laxso6t1-PM7uQCLcB/s640/29c2a8d037bc43ef5ada4b96cf9ac77c.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.blovedboston.com/2016/08/weekending-quick-trip-to-florida.html" target="_blank">Biana </a>because it's more fun that way! &nbsp;As we say, peace out Girl Scout.</span></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-55557328794184460162016-08-02T12:48:00.000-04:002016-08-02T12:48:39.188-04:00Back to school!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stop the madness . . . the first day of school here in Georgia was August 1st. &nbsp;My babies are off to new adventures.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My Ryan is a freshman in high school . . . and I can't even believe I just typed that. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxkZobSx0xQ/V6CotZ3-cRI/AAAAAAAAFBo/H2Op2jcIaGEj_WPchbw_Hx1ziIkClL9OwCLcB/s1600/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxkZobSx0xQ/V6CotZ3-cRI/AAAAAAAAFBo/H2Op2jcIaGEj_WPchbw_Hx1ziIkClL9OwCLcB/s640/R.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">It'll be fun to see how much both have grown at the end of the year!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">He truly makes it all look so easy . . . he never waivers in his calm demeanor and quiet determination. &nbsp;He's always had to pave his own way, considering he's the oldest. &nbsp;He assures me he's "got this" which puts my heart at ease. &nbsp;And the best part . . . he always does. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">He had his first Cross Country practice yesterday after school. &nbsp;I picked him up hot and hungry. He came home, gulped down some snacks, showered, ate dinner and got right on his homework. &nbsp;So very proud. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I asked Kyle to watch the puppy while I took Ryan to school, since high school starts before middle school. &nbsp;I got home, and Kyle says he got the best video ever. &nbsp;He wasn't kidding. &nbsp;I could watch this all day, every day and still laugh my booty off. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ElNWurCaag4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ElNWurCaag4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I swear that Abby and Zeus get along. &nbsp;He may have a little more energy in the morning that she does so she is not ready to play so early. &nbsp;I mean for reals, at least let a girl have her coffee first. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My Kyle had the easy first day of school this year . . . same school except now he's an upperclassman in the 8th grade. &nbsp;However, he didn't make the easiest morning since I made him change his shirt three times, chased him down to brush his hair and forced him to eat something. Mean mom alert! &nbsp;We chatted about it last night, and things were much easier today. &nbsp;Thank you baby Jesus. &nbsp;Gotta love that boy.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9H3JDw8vKBo/V6CwPW-Un9I/AAAAAAAAFB4/c5lIHHrKl7sdRfMoP1O3TvSQG-zDzA7ZwCLcB/s1600/A%2B%2526%2BK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9H3JDw8vKBo/V6CwPW-Un9I/AAAAAAAAFB4/c5lIHHrKl7sdRfMoP1O3TvSQG-zDzA7ZwCLcB/s640/A%2B%2526%2BK.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Too bad the sun was glaring in their faces . . . makes for an awkward look!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">As for my Amanda, she was off to her first day of middle school in 6th grade. &nbsp;She was so excited. She was bored of summer and ready to see her friends and&nbsp;<i>finally</i> be out of elementary school. She's so independent . . . I dropped them off, and she never looked back!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I'm happy to report everyone had awesome first days and left with smiles this morning. &nbsp;I suspect everyone will be exhausted come Friday . . . including me!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I'm grateful my kids didn't want much as far as back to school purchases. &nbsp;They were all fine with their old backpacks and lunchboxes. &nbsp;However, everyone likes a new school sneaker. &nbsp;Haircuts and shoe shopping make it feel like school is really happening. &nbsp;Check out these swaggy new kicks.&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93IIvHm7hIE/V6C1g_T4PbI/AAAAAAAAFCI/hPt8SGdx7xMXC1TsQzKuZ8uToeYEEpM7ACLcB/s1600/back%2Bto%2Bschool%2BNikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93IIvHm7hIE/V6C1g_T4PbI/AAAAAAAAFCI/hPt8SGdx7xMXC1TsQzKuZ8uToeYEEpM7ACLcB/s640/back%2Bto%2Bschool%2BNikes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">We tease Ryan about his '50 shades of gray' - the only color shoe he tolerates.<br />Kyle loves them bright . . . blue or yellow will do.<br />Amanda likes them girly. <br />Check. &nbsp;Check. &nbsp;And check.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I am ever so grateful that my friend Shelly has a back to school brunch every year on the first day of school. &nbsp;Otherwise I'm pretty sure I would just come home and cry. &nbsp;In fact, I've done that in years past so yeah, I look forward to this. &nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy16yeH2Xk0/V6C4uTZG85I/AAAAAAAAFCU/unL5ICN_jnk1wYTZsZVVgh1lAE3gZ43UQCLcB/s1600/brunch%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy16yeH2Xk0/V6C4uTZG85I/AAAAAAAAFCU/unL5ICN_jnk1wYTZsZVVgh1lAE3gZ43UQCLcB/s640/brunch%2Bcollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Love, love, love these ladies!! &nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">She generously opens her home to everyone, and I get to see so many of my friends in one place . . . makes a girl happy! &nbsp;Thank you Shelly for being such a rock star . . . and great friend!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Somebody also turned 14 weeks old yesterday and got another round of puppy shots! &nbsp;That sweet, shy, timid little puppy has been replaced with a super fun, playful, ball of energy that likes to nibble, steal and stay close to his mama.&nbsp;</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqfsUl7sW70/V6DFEhKyIAI/AAAAAAAAFCk/XxtKi2J-C9Yx0Z7EyZffM-CSSfe70ka2QCLcB/s1600/Zeus%2B-%2B14%2Bweeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqfsUl7sW70/V6DFEhKyIAI/AAAAAAAAFCk/XxtKi2J-C9Yx0Z7EyZffM-CSSfe70ka2QCLcB/s640/Zeus%2B-%2B14%2Bweeks.jpg" width="530" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">My Petey doorstop is where I take his picture every Monday . . . one day I'm going to realize he's all grown up, <br />and I want to make sure I have lots of pictures!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">I die of love for him. &nbsp;Abby is doing just fine . . . she gets lots of love and more chew bones and walks thanks to the little guy. &nbsp;He did awesome at the vet and charmed everyone since I carried him like he was a baby. &nbsp;I didn't want him to touch the dirty vet floors until he has his last round of shots this month. &nbsp; Hello crazy. &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iQp7JVt78g/V6DHsuby57I/AAAAAAAAFCw/rnxtXrftIJw3HRbtbZk-zvRJf8s95URAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iQp7JVt78g/V6DHsuby57I/AAAAAAAAFCw/rnxtXrftIJw3HRbtbZk-zvRJf8s95URAgCLcB/s640/IMG_1034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">He was 18.5 pounds and healthy! &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">He's tall and skinny with long legs. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">We've noticed he is getting more tan and losing some of his black coloring. &nbsp;We are trying hard to enforce the rules . . . not allowed on the couch and not sleeping in our bed. &nbsp;He has discovered a loophole . . . he can hang out on our bed, but he has to sleep in his crate when it's lights off. &nbsp;How can I resist this little nugget? &nbsp;</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gaentf_PYQI/V6DLqqtKAkI/AAAAAAAAFC8/uybA-VHSQqguZ8mTELTurwH1O3sc2EcSQCLcB/s1600/Zeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gaentf_PYQI/V6DLqqtKAkI/AAAAAAAAFC8/uybA-VHSQqguZ8mTELTurwH1O3sc2EcSQCLcB/s640/Zeus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">He is so easy to put in his crate . . . we just tell him night night, and he sleeps in there all night long. He loses his mind with excitement when I get him out . . . he sometimes even wakes the kids up with his howls of joy. &nbsp;Dogs are the best for being so happy to see you . . . they can make anyone feel good!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: large;">Okay . . . off to mark some items off the to do list and tidy up this house! &nbsp;Happy Tuesday everyone!</span><br /><br />Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2019778535437322869.post-58197517593992996702016-07-26T10:24:00.001-04:002016-07-26T10:25:32.378-04:00Somebody got a Frenectomy<span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Vacation is over . . . what a kick in the pants.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7swXrHHkGoM/V5dYc12fgvI/AAAAAAAAFAc/KC9ej11H8qM8bq7ZfzjZJ4vY-zy_w60uACLcB/s1600/Reality.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7swXrHHkGoM/V5dYc12fgvI/AAAAAAAAFAc/KC9ej11H8qM8bq7ZfzjZJ4vY-zy_w60uACLcB/s640/Reality.gif" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I need to recap our week of fun, but I'm still adjusting to the real world. &nbsp;And nothing says back to reality like taking your child to have a "surgical procedure" on Monday. &nbsp;Good times.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Technically his procedure wasn't really a big deal, especially since I can currently hear him yelling at video games in the basement . . . with friends who slept over last night. &nbsp;So yeah, he's fine. &nbsp;But the thought of it was very hard on his mama.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">What is a frenectomy you ask? &nbsp;Well, here goes your medical lesson for today . . .</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">A frenectomy is simply the removal of <i>frenum </i>in the mouth. &nbsp;A frenum is a muscular attachment between two tissues. &nbsp;There are two frena (the plural form of frenum) in the mouth that can sometimes obstruct normal function and are candidates for frenectomies. These frena are called the lingual frenum, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and the maxillary labial frenum, which connects the inside of your upper lip to your gums just above your upper two front teeth. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://www.oralanswers.com/what-a-frenectomy-is-and-why-your-child-might-need-one/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXhD4tTttj8/V5dhMLLXH1I/AAAAAAAAFAs/nI7EUrhPAq05MCqCNrT9HfEbYvzEiUdggCLcB/s1600/frenectomy_lingual_frenum_and_labial_frenum-279x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXhD4tTttj8/V5dhMLLXH1I/AAAAAAAAFAs/nI7EUrhPAq05MCqCNrT9HfEbYvzEiUdggCLcB/s640/frenectomy_lingual_frenum_and_labial_frenum-279x450.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">A graphic to further your frenectomy education.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">How did I know he needed such a procedure? &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Ryan's frenum above his front teeth kept getting irritated in his braces. &nbsp;I mentioned it one time to the orthodontist, and he referred us to a periodontist. &nbsp;While Ryan was "on the border" for being a candidate, the doctor felt like the benefits and ease of the procedure outweighed the potential problems later in life. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">Uh, what problems? &nbsp;Apparently over time it could cause a gap to form between the two front teeth or pull the gums away from the teeth which causes major issues for an adult. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So after asking Ryan what he thought, we agreed to have it done. &nbsp;He's such a tough kid . . . he never appeared nervous and just accepted that it needed to happen.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I take him on Monday to the office, fill out all the paperwork, pay and then we wait. &nbsp;He's a teen . . . not that chatty and not into me taking his picture. &nbsp;Once they called him, I got up to go with them, but they told me I had to stay in the waiting room. &nbsp;I freaked out internally for a second, but Ryan assured me he was fine. &nbsp;Then I snapped a quick photo because . . . I don't really know why except he was leaving me. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_AwKoVNU1s/V5dsuz0pIEI/AAAAAAAAFBA/FZ6KKJ9OLgoCGGSBeGK0GEfY1jcpoZsXACLcB/s1600/R%2Bbefore%2BFren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_AwKoVNU1s/V5dsuz0pIEI/AAAAAAAAFBA/FZ6KKJ9OLgoCGGSBeGK0GEfY1jcpoZsXACLcB/s640/R%2Bbefore%2BFren.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">So I sit their waiting anxiously . . . fretting that I didn't take a picture inside his mouth. &nbsp;Weird. &nbsp;I know. &nbsp;But I did hear an awesome song from back when I was in college . . . Sting's Englishman in New York. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d27gTrPPAyk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d27gTrPPAyk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I had that CD. &nbsp;Could I be more random here? &nbsp;Songs make me remember moments in time so this song now has a new connotation. &nbsp;Sitting in a dated (there was some serious mauve and powder blue) waiting room anxiously awaiting my kid. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnIxhxIVjNU/V5duKMqv3mI/AAAAAAAAFBM/m_lQuyuWpp040HuBtmb1Nvzo-OODiD5sgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jnIxhxIVjNU/V5duKMqv3mI/AAAAAAAAFBM/m_lQuyuWpp040HuBtmb1Nvzo-OODiD5sgCLcB/s640/IMG_0927.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">A nurse comes out and gives extensive instructions to another mother about her daughter so I listen intently. . . because I'm nosey. &nbsp;Good thing because when our nurse brings Ryan back to me she says, "Well, all done. &nbsp;I gave him the instructions while he was back there." &nbsp;I just look at her like she'd lost her mind. &nbsp;Seriously, he's 14. &nbsp;But in reality, I knew he would tell me, and I had heard excessive details from the other nurse so I just left . . . with a bit of rage. &nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">I basically wanted to baby Ryan and take care of him, and he's all like, "I'm fine mom." &nbsp;Somebody hold me. &nbsp;My baby doesn't want or need me. &nbsp;Here he is in the car on the way home. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx036W_Qbqw/V5dvajUzXPI/AAAAAAAAFBY/HIUo6CKWrYco78dqNnhAansKygEQua5YQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx036W_Qbqw/V5dvajUzXPI/AAAAAAAAFBY/HIUo6CKWrYco78dqNnhAansKygEQua5YQCLcB/s640/IMG_0928.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He set his phone timer and kept putting ice on and off for 20 minutes at a time. &nbsp;He used my knee wrap to hold the ice around his head so he'd have two hands free for playing video games. &nbsp;Rather ingenious I suppose. &nbsp;He said it really didn't hurt, but I'm making him rinse with his prescription "magic mouth" wash a few times a day anyway. &nbsp;Apparently the taste is nasty . . . oh well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: large;">He has to keep the "bandage" in his mouth until our appointment next Tuesday. &nbsp;So yeah, he gets to start high school like that. &nbsp;You can't see it unless he smiles so I guess my first day pictures may be less than&nbsp;enthusiastic. &nbsp;Thankfully he's doing great and it's over . . . time to enjoy the last week before school starts. &nbsp;</span></div>Amy @ Getz Girl on Firehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00056695150503978234noreply@blogger.com10